Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito raises alarm over ‘Panga Boys’ menace in Diani and Ukunda

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Kwale County Woman Representative Fatuma Masito wants urgent action over the rising threat of machete-wielding “panga boys” in Diani, Ukunda and neighbouring areas.

She told Parliament on Thursday that residents have reported repeated attacks and intimidation by youths armed with pangas, creating fear among families, workers, and tourists.

The security concerns, she said, are affecting daily life and local businesses.

MP seeks statement on measures and interventions

Ms Masito requested a detailed statement from the Interior and National Security Committee on what law enforcement agencies are doing to tackle the panga boys menace.

Her motion asked for clarification on:

• Concrete actions by police and security officers in the affected areas
• Coordination between national and county security teams
• Long-term strategies to prevent further incidents

The committee is expected to respond a week after Parliament’s recess, which begins Friday, March 13, 2026.

The situation on the ground

Residents say groups of young men armed with pangas are increasingly visible in Diani and Ukunda.

Business owners report staff reluctance to work late shifts, while shoppers and tourists feel unsafe moving around in the evenings.

Community forums and social media discussions reflect growing anxiety.

Many locals argue that the current security presence does not match the scale of the threat and are calling for targeted patrols, faster response times, and stronger collaboration between police and local leaders.

Security operations underway

Police and county security teams have already carried out coordinated crackdowns along the coast, arresting dozens of suspected panga boys.

Authorities say these operations are part of ongoing efforts to restore safety and dismantle machete-wielding groups.

The panga boys issue is more than street crime--it disrupts communities, threatens livelihoods, affects tourism, and reflects deeper social challenges among coastal youth.

There have been suggestions for long-term solutions that combine law enforcement with youth engagement, economic support, and community policing to address the root causes of crime.

Next steps

When Parliament reconvenes after recess, Ms Masito expects to receive a full statement on the security measures in place and planned interventions.

Until then, residents continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for swift action to restore safety in Diani, Ukunda, and the wider coastal belt.