About 50 gang members from Msambweni and Matuga sub-counties in the county of Kwale have laid down their weapons and surrendered to police as a way of saying no more crime.

Coast regional police commander Ali Buti Nuno said the event held at the Kwale County headquarters yesterday was facilitated through a peace building program, which was presided by Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani

"I urge other youths out there to down their arms too and renew themselves by engaging in gainful economic activities in finding and living their true purpose in life," Nuno said

Kwale is among counties in the coast region known for criminal gangs.

A report released by the Crime Research Centre in 2018 revealed that Mombasa was leading in criminal gangs, followed by Kwale and then Kilifi.

The gangs that have often engaged in various illegal activities such as robberies and violent crimes have always posed a significant threat to peace and security in areas of Msambweni, Diani, and Lungalunga 

Recently, more than 200 suspected members of criminal gangs in Kwale were arrested following a major crackdown on criminal gangs across the region.

In one such operation conducted in Ngeneni area, within Lunga Lunga Township, an individual believed to be a key member of a criminal gang that has been involved in violent crimes in different areas in Kwale was arrested. 

According to police the suspect has been on their radar for some time and was wanted on an active arrest warrant for murder.

Several weapons and drugs were also recovered during the raid.

The crackdown came after Ali Nuno issued a stern warning on criminal gangs vowing to deal with them decisively.

Residents have, in recent days, expressed reduced violent crimes, especially in areas of Likoni, Diani, Changamwe, Lungalunga, among other areas.

Written By: Peter Maseke.