Police in Mombasa have arrested a man believed to be linked to ongoing gang-related violence in the region. The arrest took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during a routine patrol in the Kibundani-Shika Adabu area of Likoni sub-county.
According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), officers from Inuka Police Station stopped the suspect during their patrol and found him in possession of a machete. The suspect was immediately taken into custody and is set to be charged in court on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The police described the arrest as a major step in restoring public safety in Mombasa, where gang violence has been on the rise. Authorities noted that the machete found on the suspect is similar to weapons used in recent criminal incidents across the county.
The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and maintaining peace in coastal areas. The statement added that operations targeting gangs would continue as part of broader efforts to secure communities and reduce crime.
The Mombasa County Government has also taken measures to address the growing concern over the use of machetes in public. In April 2025, Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir announced plans to amend the Public Nuisance Act to treat carrying a machete in public as a serious offense, similar to possessing an unlicensed firearm.
The governor emphasized that machetes should only be used at home or on farms, not in public places. He also introduced new rules requiring machete sellers to record buyer details to support law enforcement and increase accountability.
These efforts are part of a coordinated initiative to reduce violence, protect tourism, and improve the safety of Mombasa residents.
