Life in Diani, one of Kenya’s most beautiful tourist hubs, has turned into a nightmare for residents following a wave of violent attacks by a juvenile gang known as Panga Boys.

Once a serene coastal paradise in Kwale County, the town is now gripped by fear as the gang continues to terrorise locals in broad daylight.

As the sun sets on Diani, a place once celebrated for its breathtaking beaches and luxurious resorts, darkness looms not from the absence of daylight, but from the growing fear that safety is no longer guaranteed.

For the past few days, the spate of attacks in the area has left several people nursing injuries, while others have lost their lives.

The gang, armed with pangas and blunt objects, operates with alarming boldness, striking at will and leaving behind a trail of blood and anguish.

Families are mourning, businesses are shutting down early, and the once-bustling streets now fall eerily silent as night approaches.

Latest victim

On Saturday afternoon, journalist Brivian Simiyu, attached to Msenangu FM, became the latest victim.

Simiyu was attacked in Ukunda, a few kilometres from the Diani Police Station.

He was on his way home from work when a gang of six ambushed him, wielding pangas and blunt weapons.

One of the gang members swung a panga towards his head.

Simiyu instinctively moved, but the deadly blade sliced his left ear, leaving him bleeding profusely.

“I felt the blade cut through my skin, and for a moment, I thought my life was over,” Simiyu recounted, his voice shaking.

They robbed him of his phone, money, and other valuables. Simiyu described his survival as nothing short of a miracle, but admitted that the physical and emotional scars would take time to heal.

“I still can’t believe it happened. I saw death with my own eyes. They surrounded me, raised their pangas, and I thought it was my last moment,” he said.

The incident was since reported to Diani Police Station.

The Msambweni Sub-County Police Commander, Ahmed Hillow, confirmed the incident, linking it to a retaliatory attack following a Friday incident in which a 29-year-old man was hacked to death by two assailants on a motorbike.

“The juvenile gangs are taking advantage of Friday’s incident to cause insecurity,” Hillow said.

It is believed that the gang that attacked Simiyu had attended the burial and began assaulting people indiscriminately on their way back.

Hillow said security measures have been taken with reinforcement from every corner of the county sent to Diani.

He said they have initiated multi-security operations with GSU officers, National Intelligence Service, Administration Police, among others manning the area.

Hillow assured the locals of their security adding that police officers have enhanced patrols and launched a manhunt for culprits.

Simiyu’s attack is just one of many that have rocked the area.

Several cases have been reported in Mvindeni, Darad, Ibiza, Kona Ya Msa and beach road among other places.

Residents now live in constant fear, unsure if they will make it home safely.

A businesswoman, who identified herself as Mama Jay for security reasons, said her shop was among the many businesses ransacked last week by gangs.

Surrender cash

She recounted how the assailants held her two employees at knifepoint, forcing them to surrender all the cash before stealing drinks and electronic gadgets worth Sh500,000.

“The gang is becoming more brazen. They attacked us and stole everything in broad daylight,” she said.

She added that the escalating insecurity has forced many businesses to close early, while others have shut down completely out of fear of further attacks.

Another resident, Salma, who also sought anonymity, said residents no longer feel safe.

She urged the security to take immediate action before more people are harmed or lives are lost.

In a previous interview, Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josephat Mutisya said said several arrests linked to Panga Boys attacks have been made and action taken against the perpetrators.