Police boss issues ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ directive against armed criminals
Police boss issues ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ directive against armed criminals
The Coast Regional Police Commander has issued a directive authorising officers to use firearms against armed criminal suspects during security operations, citing a rise in violent crime across Mombasa County.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Nuno said police would apply the full force of the law against criminals, particularly those armed with machetes. He further gave them 2 options to surrender or vacate the coastal region
“I am telling the thieves that the moment I find you raising your machete to someone, I’ll shoot you. I have given the police the order to use their weapons,” Nuno stated
Nuno said the use of firearms was justified in situations where officers or civilians face immediate danger, particularly when suspects are armed. He noted that police would respond decisively to prevent attacks on members of the public.
The police boss also raised concerns about suspects released on bond who allegedly return to criminal activity. He cited a case in which a suspect released on a Ksh10,000 bond resumed criminal operations, attributing this to challenges in maintaining order when repeat offenders return to the streets
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The remarks follow recent operations in Likoni, where two suspected thieves were fatally injured during a police response. According to the police commander, the area recorded a reduction in criminal activity after the incident, prompting increased patrols and continued surveillance.
As of early February 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) and regional authorities have intensified operations targeting these groups, often referred to as ‘panga boys.’
According to a 2025 survey by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), Mombasa hosts 73 active gangs, including notable groups such as Panga Boys, Wakali Kwanza, Team Sixty Nine, and 40 Brothers.
High-risk areas for gang activity include Likoni (Timbwani, Mtongwe, Shelly Beach), Kisauni (Mjambere and Mtopanga wards), Mvita (Old Town and Majengo), and parts of Nyali and Tononoka, where shop raids and attacks on security personnel have been reported.
The gangs have been linked to violent robberies, often operating in groups of 10 to 20, daytime muggings, and involvement in local drug trafficking, with many serving as ‘foot soldiers’ protecting trafficking routes.
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