Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Businesspeople in Kwale are calling on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to deploy a special task force to deal with a juvenile gang that is wreaking havoc in Diani.

Kwale Bar Owners Association chair Richard Onsongo said the notorious gang continues to pose a threat despite intensified police efforts to contain the group.

He said the streets of Diani, once a tourist haven, remain cloaked in fear as the shadow of the Panga Boys grows darker, threatening to rob the community of its peace and prosperity.

Onsongo revealed that the criminal gangs have turned Diani into a nightmare for ordinary citizens trying to make a living. He said the gang, composed primarily of young men, has been terrorising residents with brazen attacks that have left many wounded and shaken.

“Just recently, someone was badly cut with pangas around the Kona Ya Msa, and several cases were reported randomly in different parts,” he said.

According to him, at least one person is attacked daily by the Panga Boys in Diani.

The businessman said the national authorities should step in with more resources, specialised personnel, and a clear strategy to bring lasting peace to the area.

Onsongo said that the current judicial process has failed to deter the criminals, as many suspects walk free shortly after being arrested.

“The police are doing their best, but they are overpowered. They arrest these criminals, but within days, they’re back on the streets, terrorizing us again. The system is failing us,” he said.

Onsongo said that the persistent release of culprits has emboldened the gang, making it harder to restore order.

The bar owners chairperson said the Panga Boys have grown rogue and that many people have suffered in their hands.

He said it has reached an extent where juvenile gangs rain terror in broad daylight and at night, with business people and daily commuters being the most affected.

Onsongo said the situation has affected business activities since people are forced to rush home before dusk, due to fear of attacks. He said the attacks have not only disrupted businesses but also cast a shadow on Diani’s reputation as a tranquil tourist destination.

Onsongo said visitors are increasingly wary of venturing into the streets, affecting the local economy that heavily depends on tourism.

He said customers opt to stay away from nightspots and extended hours in pubs and towns due to the fear of being attacked on their way back.

Onsongo said it is time for the security agencies to use a different and effective approach to neutralise criminal activities.

He also urged the local administrators to conduct security barazas.

Onsongo lamented that it had been a while since such important barazas were conducted in the communities.

“We want DCCs and Chiefs to organise frequent security talks with communities because they help,” he said.

In a previous meeting, County Police Commander Ali Nuno and Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya said the local security agencies have done a tremendous job in addressing juvenile gangs.

He said several arrests linked to Panga Boys attacks have been made and proper legal action taken against the perpetrators. “Issue of security requires a multifaceted approach; the police alone cannot solve the problem,” he said.