Kwale, KENYA:At least 14 youths suspected to be members of a criminal gang from Mombasa and Kwale counties are set to be arraigned at the Kwale law courts on Tuesday.
The youths are being held in police custody awaiting to stand trial in court.
Kwale county police commander Tom Odero confirmed that the suspected juvenile gang members were arrested on Saturday following a clash that ensued between youths from Likoni and Ng’ombeni in Kwale county.
He said that the incident took place at around 4.30pm at Waa bweka borehole in Matuga sub-county.
“Three men from Likoni area came to fetch water from the borehole but they met resistance from some young men. The Likoni team got agitated and called for reinforcement which led to a violent clash,” said Odera.
He alluded that police were alerted and moved with speed to arrest the 14 youths who are from either side and in the process crude weapons were recovered.
“Most of them are teenagers whom we have reason to believe are members of criminal gangs,” added Odero.
He noted that some of them sustained serious body injuries from the fight but were taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
“I thank members of the public who shared information with the law enforcement agencies. We are still pursuing others who may have escaped and assure the public of their safety and security,” said Odero.
This comes amid plans by the government to set up a new police post at Ngo’mbeni area to enhance security.
A total of sh. 2 million has been set aside by the Matuga constituency CDF kit for the construction of the police post.
