Mombasa governor announces raft of measures to tackle machete-wielding gangs
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir has announced a raft of measures to tackle machete-wielding gangs in the coastal county.
Speaking on Monday, April 7, 2025, Nassir decried what he termed the insurgence of gang-related activities in Mombasa targeting locals and even tourists.
He recalled a previous instance where a foreign tourist was robbed in Mombasa. He lamented that such acts paint the county in a negative light and threaten tourism, which is among the leading sources of revenue for the coastal town.
Nassir, however, announced plans to implement tougher measures aimed at curbing the resurgence of machete-wielding gangs by invoking the Public Nuisance Act.
The Mombasa Governor, who was speaking at National ID mobile registration services, Majengo Outreach, presided over by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, noted that the county will institute new rules that will outlaw the carrying of machetes.
Nassir explained that carrying a machete would attract the same punishment as carrying a gun without a license.
“You will not have any business walking around the city with a machete. You will be required to use only a machete at home on your farms. We will invoke the Public Nuisance Act, which will be amended to attract a similar punishment to someone nabbed with a gun,” Nassir announced.
Licences
At the same time, Nassir noted that through the county government, Mombasa will also introduce new rules that would require those selling machetes to keep records of the buyer.
He insisted that the records would be crucial in helping Mombasa security officials keep track and tackle insecurity in the country.
“The county will impose new measures, including the one that dictates when one goes to buy a machete, the seller will be expected to keep records,” the governor made it clear.
Drug abuse
Moreover, Nassir announced that his administration would commence an operation aimed at apprehending facilities selling outlawed drugs to the youth in Mombasa.
He lamented over the rise of substance abuse, which he claimed was among the leading contributors to insecurity in the country.
The Mombasa governor warned that those selling those illicit drugs would face punitive penalties.
“Our trade license will be amended so that we will outlaw drugs, making our youth go mad. Those drugs will only be sold in hospitals,” Nassir stated, insisting that he is ready for court battles with those opposed to the move.
Additionally, Nassir detailed that the county will open a methadone center to serve as a rehabilitation facility for those battling addiction.
Murkomen backs him
CS Murkomen backed Nassir’s sentiments, insisting that the national government will readily support the measures rolled out by the Mombasa County government to deal with insecurity.
He directed the National Police Service to collaborate with the county to deal with the machete-wielding gangs.
