Mombasa: Probe to unearth post-political rally gang

Police in Mombasa County have launched investigations to arrest hooded criminals, who have been targeting members of the public during and after political rallies.

Already, four suspects have been arrested after they were captured on CCTV footage,  robbing residents in Old Town shortly after ODM leader Raila Odinga led the issuance of nomination certificates to the party’s aspirants in the Coast region.

The suspects who were wearing blue T-shirts were spotted at the ODM event at Treasury Square on Tuesday, just hours before they allegedly robbed people in Old Town area.

In the footage captured by CCTV at around 5.41 pm on Tuesday, a group of more than 20 gang members, some hooded and armed with wooden clubs and sticks, are spotted clobbering residents along the narrow streets of Old Town.

The CCTV footage which has been circulating on social media has caused fear among residents and local tourists who flocked to Mombasa during the Easter holidays.

According to Mombasa County Police Commander Stephen Matu, four of the suspects were arrested after they were positively identified by members of the public during a police identification parade.

Identification parade

The members of the public in the identification parade claimed they were either terrorised or robbed of their mobile phones, money and other valuables.

Matu noted that some of the items which were stolen from members of the public have since been recovered.

He called on anyone who was attacked by the gang to report to the nearest police station to aid in investigations. The suspects will be arraigned today.