A recent incident involving a bodaboda rider, Said Faiz Khamis, 29, has highlighted the growing concern over the gang's activities. On September 15, Khamis was attacked and injured on the head and fingers by the gang while ferrying a passenger to his home in Barsheba, Kisauni. The passenger had requested Khamis to drop him off at a stage, but instead, he asked to be taken further into the neighborhood, where the gang was waiting to ambush him.
This was not Khamis' first encounter with the gang. Earlier this year, he was also attacked and robbed of his motorcycle, phone, and other belongings while ferrying a passenger to Kongowea market. The gang had used a similar modus operandi, feigning a request for a ride before pouncing on him. After seeking medical attention and buying a new motorcycle, Khamis had resumed work but decided to quit after the second attack.
The incidents have sparked fears among residents and bodaboda riders in Kisauni, with many claiming that the gang is using women as bait to lure riders into their trap. Samson Omondi, chairman of the Maweni community security committee and a bodaboda rider, alleged that the gang often uses women to follow riders to stages, where they request services, and then delay payment, giving their accomplices time to prepare an ambush.
Human rights groups have called on the government to take action to enhance security in the area. Wild Sketty, coordinator of Vocal Africa Pwani, stated that his organization had documented eight cases of panga attacks within a week in Kisauni, occurring between 4 am and 12 pm. The group is advocating for increased security measures to protect residents and riders.
However, Deputy County Commissioner for Kisauni, Jamleck Mbuba, has assured residents that police are taking steps to apprehend the suspects. He stated that some suspects have already been arrested, and efforts are underway to track down others. Mbuba appealed to residents to provide information to help identify the perpetrators.
The resurgence of the 'panga boys' gang has raised concerns about the security situation in Mombasa, particularly in Kisauni. With residents and riders living in fear, there is a growing demand for authorities to take decisive action to curb the gang's activities and restore a sense of safety in the area.
Key points
- The 'panga boys' gang has been linked to a series of attacks on bodaboda riders in Kisauni, leaving several people injured and property damaged.
- Residents and riders are calling for increased security measures to protect them from the gang's activities.
- Police have arrested some suspects and are pursuing others, appealing to residents for information to help identify the perpetrators.
