120 arrested in crackdown on ‘Panga Boys’ gang in Kwale

Police in Kwale County have arrested 120 suspects linked to the machete-wielding criminal gang known as "panga boys," who have been terrorizing residents in Diani, following a week-long operation.

Sixty-three of the suspects have been taken to court, while police have requested 14 more days to hold 33 others under a miscellaneous application to conduct further investigations. Another 16 suspects will be arraigned in court on Monday.

Seven machetes, believed to have been used by the suspects in their criminal activities, were recovered during the operation. Police also seized 18 rolls of bhang and several phones.

Msambweni Sub-County police commander Robinson Lang'at stated that the operation will continue to target and dismantle the gang members. 

Lang'at further assured that security will be beefed up during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations and advised beach operators to vacate the beaches by 6pm.