Mombasa, KENYA: Two among the six youths who earlier surrendered to police in Mombasa were on Monday charged with preparation to commit a felony contrary to section 308(1) of the penal code.
It is alleged that Muhsin Anzwan Muhsin and Shaffi Salim jointly with others were captured in a video clip while armed with pangas and knives with intent to commit a felony.
They denied the charges before Mombasa magistrate Edigah Kagoni and were released on a cash bail of sh.15, 000 each.
Four others youths who surrendered are still being investigated by the police.
Speaking to Baraka FM, Mombasa County Commander Johnston Ipara said the suspects will be required to report to police once in a week for investigations.
“We have already charged two suspects and we are still investigating other four and once we are through we will charge them,” said Ipara.
He said they are working with other organizations including HAKI Africa, Red Cross and the office of the Mvita Constituency to ensure youths who surrender to the police are not only charged but rehabilitated.
Mr. Ipara said that he has directed weddings not to be conducted past 11 PM as a measure to curb the increased insecurity incidents in Mombasa.
Human rights based organization in Mombasa Haki Africa has said it will continue to work with communities affected to ensure youths linked to crime surrender to the police.
Haki Africa Chief Executive Office Hussein Khalid said that they are not going to defend criminals but assured to protect suspects who will surrender to the police.
“We are going to work with youths who want to reform so that they become responsible members of the society,” said Khalid.
Mr.Khalid called on security agencies in Mombasa to lift the ban on night weddings saying it is unconstitutional.
“It’s is not right for the community to suffer because of few criminal youths, we appeal to the police to lift the ban,” said Khalid.
Meanwhile, Mvita MP AAbdulswamad Shariff Nassir has said that more youths from Majengo area in Mombasa are expected to surrender to the police.
“As leaders, we will ensure that youths from Majengo linked to criminal activities surrender for investigations,” said Abdulnassir.
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