Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 14 members of a machete-wielding gang that has been terrorizing and instilling fear among residents in Mombasa and surrounding areas.
In a statement on Sunday January 19, 2025, the DCI reported that the 14 suspects were arrested after receiving several complaints from members of the public.
“As part of the ongoing efforts to dismantle the infamous Panga boys gang that has been terrorizing and instilling fear among innocent residents in Mombasa and surrounding areas, Police Officers from Mjambere police station in Kisauni Sub-County have apprehended 14 additional suspects affiliated with the machete-wielding gang,” read part of the DCI statement.
The nabbed suspects are Clinton Nyaga, 25; David Nyaga, 25; Rashid Lugwe, 25; Juma Safari, 20; Benjamin Dickson, 24; Ayub Koech, 18; Hamisi Dzombo, 25; Brian Dickson, 18; Fadhili Hamisi, 18; Juma Nyale, 25; Saidi Hamisi, 23; Ali Swale, 19; Ali Yusuf, 19; and Rajab Bakari, 18 were smoked out of their hideout in Junda Kasarani ndogo area.
This was after the officers received a tip off from members of the public.
The fourteen have been escorted to Mjambere Police Station for processing, pending arraignment in court.
Their arrest came a few days after four members of the gang were arrested on January 14, 2025 in Mombasa.
The crackdown followed reports of an attack on two individuals heading to the Kongowea market.
Acting swiftly, police officers on foot patrol traced the suspects Ali Yusuf, 24, Said Hamisi, 23, and two 19-year-olds, Ali Swalleh and Siajabu Bakari to Kadongo area.
Upon encountering the officers, the suspects were ordered to surrender. Instead, the gang members resisted, violently launching an assault on the officers.
In response, the officers returned fire, injuring Ali Yusuf in his left foot. The suspects were subsequently arrested and taken to Mjambere Police Station, while the injured individual was escorted to Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical care.
The remaining three suspects are currently undergoing processing pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the confiscated pangas and a knife have been secured as exhibits.
