Residents of Likoni woke up to renewed conversations about security after a police operation disrupted suspected criminal activity within the area. For many locals, the development reflected the growing efforts by authorities to deal with long-standing insecurity that has affected daily life, especially at night.
The operation, carried out by police officers on routine patrol, led to the shooting of two suspected robbers and the recovery of items believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 15, during a patrol aimed at flushing out criminals hiding within Likoni sub-county. Police say the area has for years faced repeated cases of violent robberies, home invasions, and attacks on pedestrians.
Most of these crimes are believed to be carried out by youthful gangs who often move around armed with crude weapons and take advantage of darkness to strike.
Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Mutungu commended the officers involved, saying the operation was part of continuous work to protect residents and restore confidence in security.
He noted that regular patrols and targeted operations remain key in dealing with criminal networks that have been troubling the area. Mutungu emphasized that the police are determined to maintain peace and will not relent in their efforts to dismantle gangs operating within Likoni.
During the operation, officers recovered several motorbikes believed to have been stolen from previous robbery incidents.
In addition, police found mobile phones and a number of weapons, including machetes and slashers.
According to the officers, these weapons are commonly used by criminals during robberies and violent attacks on homes and businesses.
The recovered items are now being held as exhibits as investigations continue.
Likoni has for a long time struggled with insecurity, much of it linked to armed youth gangs that operate mainly at night. Residents say attackers often stop pedestrians, force them to surrender mobile phones, demand mobile money PINs, and in some cases assault their victims before escaping.
Small businesses have also not been spared, with traders reporting losses and damage during night attacks.In the past, some residents expressed frustration, accusing police of delayed responses and insufficient patrols.
However, security agencies say renewed efforts are beginning to bear fruit, with several arrests already made and gang activities disrupted.
Police believe sustained pressure will further weaken criminal networks within the area.
The police commander also called on members of the public to work closely with law enforcement by sharing information. He noted that the police already have intelligence on several suspects who are still at large and urged residents not to fear reporting suspicious activities.
According to him, cooperation from the community plays a major role in preventing crime.
Parents and guardians were also urged to closely monitor their children, especially during the festive season when schools are closed. Police warned that idle youth are often drawn into criminal activities due to peer pressure and lack of supervision.
Authorities link crime in Likoni to several factors, including poverty, high youth unemployment, and drug abuse, especially in informal settlements with limited economic opportunities.
To address these challenges, the National Police Service, working with local leaders, has intensified community policing programs to build trust between residents and officers.
Other measures include increased patrols, youth empowerment initiatives, and plans to set up additional police posts to improve response time.
The Ministry of Interior has also highlighted security and drug abuse concerns through public forums such as the Jukwaa la Usalama meeting held in Mombasa earlier this year. Residents have been encouraged to remain alert, support community policing efforts, and promptly report any suspicious activities as authorities work toward lasting peace in Likoni.
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