The Mombasa County Government has initiated a crackdown on street urchins and families causing disturbances to residents.
Recently, Mombasa has seen a rise in street families occupying major streets in the CBD, leading to frustration among pedestrians and shoppers. These individuals have been known to harass both pedestrians and motorists, and some have even robbed shoppers in broad daylight. In April, a video circulated on social media showing a shopper being mugged shortly after leaving a supermarket on Haile Selassie Road.
The street families have also taken over the historical Mbaraki Memorial Cemetery as their residence and hideout.
On Saturday, County Chief Officer in charge of Governance and Serikali Mtaani, Abdallah Daleno, led County Inspectorate Officers in the operation targeting the major streets. He pledged to enhance safety in the city, responding to reports of street urchins and families terrorizing residents.
“They have been robbing and attacking many people. We just arrested a street urchin who inappropriately touched a woman’s breasts. We want to ensure Mombasa is free from criminals,” Daleno stated.
He also highlighted plans to collaborate with the National Government to develop strategies for rehabilitating street urchins, aiming to provide them with legitimate means of earning a living rather than engaging in criminal activities.
“We are conducting a mop-up operation in partnership with the Police to eliminate muggers, pickpockets, and robbers who have infiltrated the town,” he added.
Daleno emphasized that the County Government aims to support businesses by eliminating disturbances caused by street urchins. He assured that the County Inspectorate and Police would work together to ensure the streets are clear of beggars from neighboring countries and those residing in graveyards.
“We will continue this operation until dignity is restored. We will trace and return the arrested street families to their home counties and countries,” he said.
Residents have welcomed the County Government’s actions, noting that the increase in street families has negatively impacted the image of Mombasa, particularly affecting tourists. They attributed the rise in street families to a now-halted free feeding program by a cement firm, which was infiltrated by criminals.
“This move is commendable. It will reduce juvenile gangs and theft in the CBD. The street families were harboring criminals who terrorized us,” said resident Bradley Ouna.
