Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has condemned the increase in juvenile gang violence in the Coast region.
The governor attributed the surge of juvenile gangs to widespread school absenteeism and weak social structures.
This, he said, has failed to adequately engage children in acquiring education.
He spoke on Monday after the Eid prayers at RG Ngala Grounds in Mombasa.
He described the trend of minors participating in crime as a “disturbing failure of the systems designed to guide and protect children.”
"It also boils down to education, I have been repeating that children who are underage, do not need to be in employment. A Juvenile needs to be in school, a child needs to be in school. We can't say that they are not in school because they want employment. We want to emphasize on education rather than employment for the children," he said.
The governor urged Muslim faithful and the entire country to continue with the acts of charity beyond Ramadhan.
He said that their generosity will only bring greater blessings to Kenyans and mark a change in the world.
"Continue with your acts of charity beyond the Holy Month of Ramadhan," the governor said.
"I joined fellow Muslim faithful for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at RG Ngala Grounds this morning in Mombasa. May the Almighty accept all the goodness and prayers from us."
The warning comes a week after Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno juvenile criminal gangs in Diani an ultimatum to surrender or face the law.
Following a recent surge in attacks and robberies targeting residents, Nuno said a special operation is already underway to track down the culprits.
He warned that after the seven-day notice expires, police will systematically apprehend suspects from their homes.
“The clock is ticking. We know who you are, and we will not hesitate to track you down,” Nuno said on Monday during a security meeting at Jogoo Grounds in Ukunda.
His warning came days after panga-wielding youths terrorised Diani residents in broad daylight, leaving behind a trail of blood and losses.
Nuno said police have already profiled the gang members and identified suspects involved in the chaos. He urged them to surrender at the nearest police station or get dragged from their hideouts.
“They must surrender before my officers come for them. It will not be business as usual—the era of gangs terrorising innocent residents is over,” Nuno warned.
He vowed that no gang member would be spared, adding that the special police unit will work closely with local security teams to root out criminals.
The police boss also directed local security agencies and community policing committees to ensure every offender is arrested and charged. Nuno criticised the area’s security team for failing to act decisively against the juvenile gangs.
