The Security Department in Kwale County has received a boost in its efforts to curb rising crime, with the introduction of four(4) new motorcycles to aid in police patrols.

The motorcycles will be deployed to areas most affected by criminal gangs, enabling the police to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents of violence and unrest.

According to Kwale County Police Commander Ali Nuno, the addition of the motorcycles will enhance the police’s visibility and response times, particularly in regions where criminal activity has been on the rise.

"These motorcycles will be crucial in improving our patrols in areas notorious for gang-related violence. With better mobility, our officers can now reach crime hotspots more efficiently," Nuno explained.

The new patrol units come as part of a broader initiative to tackle the growing presence of criminal gangs in the county.

These gangs, often known for wielding machetes, have been linked to a series of violent incidents, including attacks during weddings and football matches.

As part of the county's ongoing security campaign, measures have been put in place to regulate both social gatherings and sports events to prevent them from being used as venues for violence.

"We have seen an alarming trend where criminal gangs use public gatherings such as weddings and football matches to cause chaos.From now on, we will not allow such events to take place without prior notification to the police. This will help us manage security better and avoid unnecessary disruptions ," said Nuno.

The move to regulate weddings and football matches comes in response to an increase in incidents where machete-wielding criminals have attacked individuals and groups during these events.

Nuno expressed his concern over the involvement of young people in such violence, particularly children who have been spotted carrying machetes at social gatherings.

"Parents need to take responsibility.What kind of shame is this, I ask parents—why allow children to play with machetes at weddings? What is a machete doing at a celebration," Nuno questioned.

His comments reflect growing frustration over the growing involvement of minors in criminal activities.

The security department’s efforts are being supported by local leaders.

Kinondo Ward Representative Juma Maone has pledged his support for the police in tackling the escalating security challenges in the region.

"We must all come together to ensure the safety of our people.I am committed to collaborating with the police to address the growing concerns of crime in our area," Maone said.

Gombato Tumaini Mwachaunga, the representative for Bongwe Ward, also called for a more proactive approach from the community.

He urged parents not to involve politicians when their children get caught up in criminal activities, stressing that addressing the root causes of crime begins with the family and the community.

"We cannot keep relying on politicians every time something goes wrong.Parents must take the lead in guiding their children, and the community must work together to eliminate crime," Mwachaunga said.

The newly introduced motorcycles are part of the broader "Panga Boys" security campaign, which was launched in response to the surge in machete-related violence.

The campaign, which is named after the notorious gangs that use machetes to instill fear, aims to strengthen police patrols and reduce the frequency of violent incidents in affected areas.

Key locations identified as hotspots for crime include Markaz, Mwamambi, Tiwi, Ng’ombeni, Mwabungo, and Mbuwani.

These areas have been the focal point of violent incidents, with local residents expressing concern over the growing influence of criminal gangs.

"These motorcycles will help us maintain a constant presence in these areas, ensuring that we can respond to emergencies quickly and prevent further violence," Mr Nuno said.