'Panga Boys' strike again: Machete-wielding gang attacks residents, robs businesses in Kwale

A gang of criminal youth in Msambweni, Kwale County, went on the rampage on Saturday, stabbing several residents and robbing business premises in broad daylight.

The machete-wielding gang, referred to as ‘Panga Boys,’ reportedly took to the streets under the guise of protesting the killing of a 29-year-old man who was stabbed on Friday. However, they took advantage of the protest to carry out their criminal activities.

Amateur video footage clearly shows how the rowdy youth stormed several businesses in Msambweni, creating panic and escalating tension in the area.

The notorious gang has long been known for terrorizing residents with a string of criminal activities. Among their latest victims is Brivian Simiyu, a journalist from the region.

“I had just left work in Mswambeni when I encountered around six members of the gang in Diani. One of them took out a panga, forcing me to flee. Unfortunately, I stumbled and fell and they caught up to me. I started screaming and they cut my ear,” Simiyu said.

This latest incident points to a concerning trend of the resurgence of criminal gangs in the Coastal region.

Another CCTV footage shows how a criminal gang tactfully forced their entry into a shop in Likoni recently and stole several items which they loaded in bags. One of the businessmen in the region reported having lost Ksh.500,000 in the robbery spree.

“We are living in fear; we can’t even open our businesses because of these young boys. Where is our government?” a local trader posed.

Msambweni Sub-County Police Commander Ahmed Hilloh has confirmed that two suspects are in custody, and more security officers have been deployed.

Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has likewise confirmed that they have escalated efforts to tame the gangs.