Police in Malindi Town, Kilifi County, have recorded progress after arresting and taking to court more than 350 members of juvenile criminal gangs terrorizing locals.

According to Malindi Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) Moses Kosgei, the gangs popularly known as ‘Maoza’ were arrested in a series of security crackdowns that also involved members of the public.

Kosgei lauded the cooperation between residents and security personnel, noting that information volunteered by the public had played a critical role in the arrests and that the operation will continue until the criminal elements are wiped out.

“Since we launched the crackdown on criminal gangs over a month ago, we’ve arrested more than 350 criminals, some of them under the age of 12 years and some of them have active cases in court. I also thank residents for coming out and reporting the criminals,” he said.

He, however, criticized some parents for shielding the suspects, warning that the law will eventually catch up with them. The gangs, he said, had infiltrated social media platforms to issue threats against residents and tourists and called on politicians to show the political goodwill by supporting the security operation.

Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi accused parents and guardians of defending their children involved in the criminal gangs, adding that the government will not relent until crime is wiped out of Malindi.

“Parents are rushing to bail out their children arrested for attacking and robbing residents and if the trend continues then parents should not blame the government when stern action is taken,” she said.

The MP emphasized that security begins at the household level, warning that the police and leaders can only reinforce efforts by families. She cited Watamu as an example of a peaceful area where parents collaborate with authorities by reporting suspected criminals.

Mnyazi further called on security officers to intensify the crackdown, saying that the 350 arrests are “just a drop in the ocean” as residents continue to suffer attacks. She also urged the judiciary to review bond terms, arguing that suspects with financial means easily buy their way out of jail and return to terrorize residents.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, on his part, warned that insecurity threatens the region’s tourism industry. He said the county government will engage Malindi youth in income-generating activities such as Kazi Mtaani and street clean-ups as alternative sources of livelihood to steer them away from crime.

“We should take action as residents and I have started recruiting youth under the Kazi Mtaani program so that they can keep off crime. I also want to urge business people to erect lights outside their premises so that the town and estates can be open,” he said.

Police say the gangs are armed with crude weapons such as pangas and machetes, and have been attacking and robbing innocent civilians both during the day and at night. Recovered items from the arrested suspects include stolen mobile phones, laptops, and other valuables.