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A  day after 15 people were injured in an attack by a criminal gang in Mombasa’s  Bamburi area, it has now  emerged that police had prior information on the  impending raid.

The revelation came  to the fore on a day that a Shanzu law court ordered three suspects detained for 15 days.  

According to a senior police officer, who sought anonymity, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) had warned of a planned attack by Wakali Kwanza, a juvenile criminal gang who were out to revenge after their colleague was killed by the police a week ago.

Attack motive

The intelligence was, however, not acted on or shared with police stations in the area.  

But, Mombasa county police commander Johnstone Ipara yesterday said they were not aware of any planned attack by the gang.

“We do not have the identity of this criminal gang nor do we know the motive of the attack. There was no reports of any planned attack by these criminals and this is why we are asking Kisauni residents to give us information,” he said. 

Shanzu resident Magistrate Yusuf Shakanda allowed police to detain the suspects to allow police to complete investigations.

Police told the court that one of the arrested persons is a minor aged 17 years who has given crucial information on the identity of other suspects who are on the run.

Attack motive

At the same time, Coast regional Commissioner  John Elung’ata said  police have received names of 11 gang members who carried out the bloody attack on Monday evening. 

He said police are closing in on seven others who are still on the run.

“We are sending out a warning that those found taking part in criminal activities will be dealt without fear. 

“Anybody found carrying a machete in Mombasa will be treated as a criminal. For those found to be members of criminal gangs, their days are numbered,” said Elung’ata.