Msambweni Sub-County Police commander Ahmed Hillow and Diani police station commander have been transferred as part of the move to contain the insecurity in the area.

The transfers followed recent attacks by the notorious Panga Boys that left residents injured in Diani, Kwale County.

Tigania West Sub-County Police Commander Robinson Langat has been named the new Msambweni commander replacing Hillow.

Langat was ordered to report to the new station yesterday.

Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno has said multi-agency teams have embarked on a major operation to address the gang behind attacks in the region. About 25 youths have so far been arrested in operations launched as police hope to tame the trend.

Nuno, who was posted to the region recently, has held a series of meetings in the area as he sought to restore confidence among locals.

Security operations have been enhanced, especially inMombasa’s Likoni and Kwale’s Diani.

The security agencies have also adopted a multi-pronged approach where they organise meetings with the elders and youths.

This came as about 100 young boys surrendered to authorities vowing to abandon criminal activities.

The county government promised to absorb some of those who surrendered.

The police commander partly attributed the insecurity on poor parenting.

“Spare the rod and spoil the child. Poor parenting has led to all these issues and we must deal with them before it is too late,” he said.

This came after panga welding youth stormed some shops in Diani looting and injuring residents.

The group had come from a burial event in the area where 29-year-old Juma Said had been stabbed to death before starting to attack unsuspecting locals.

Police say they have now deployed more personnel in the area to deal with the menace.

According to Nuno, detectives already have names linked to the violent attacks on Friday and Saturday in Diani, and those responsible must report to the nearest police station before officers come for them.

“The clock is ticking. We know who you are, and we will not hesitate to track you down,” he said.

He added that the criminals have one option, to walk into the nearest police station now or wait for officers to drag them out of their hideouts.