Mombasa robbery: Interior CS Murkomen clarifies street crime, dispels gang attack rumors

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Murkomen addressed the incident, which took place as passengers disembarked from the MS Crystal Symphony cruise ship at the Mapembeni area on April 2, 2025.

Murkomen clarified that a lone thief had stolen a mobile phone from a foreign visitor, but stressed that the incident was not connected to any organized criminal group. 

"This was not a gang-related attack, as some earlier reports suggested," he stated. 

The CS explained that the confusion arose due to a lack of coordination between government agencies and a mischaracterization of the crime by the media. 

"What was reported as a gang attack was a false alarm. It was simply a pickpocketing incident by a street criminal," Murkomen added.

While acknowledging the role of the media in drawing attention to the incident, Murkomen also commended their focus on national security matters, urging responsible reporting to avoid damaging Kenya’s image as a safe tourist destination. 

“The situation was not as serious as portrayed, and I urge the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation,” he said.

The robbery has sparked concerns over the safety of tourists in Mombasa, but local authorities have swiftly acted to address the issue. 

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor announced plans to establish a new police post in the Mapembeni area to improve security for tourists. 

"We have made arrests and are actively pursuing other suspects," Noor confirmed. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents, especially as we approach the busy Easter holiday season."

Acting Mombasa County Police Commander Maxwell Agoro also reported a strong law enforcement response, revealing that 127 street youths involved in petty crimes have already been arrested. 

"We are enhancing police patrols across urban and rural areas to ensure public safety and to prevent further incidents," Agoro stated.

Although the robbery has raised concerns about street crime in Mombasa, authorities have reassured both residents and tourists that security efforts are being intensified. 

The government has launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects, reiterating its commitment to protecting the safety of all visitors.

As the Easter holidays approach, officials have called on the public to stay informed through reliable sources and avoid unnecessary panic. 

They also stressed the importance of maintaining Kenya’s reputation as a thriving and safe tourism destination, emphasizing that the country remains committed to securing its borders and urban areas against opportunistic crimes.