Tension has escalated in Diani, Kilifi County, following a wave of violent attacks by a notorious gang known as the ‘Panga Boys.’
The gang has been targeting residents, injuring several people, and looting properties, leaving the community in fear.
The group initially disguised itself as protesters demonstrating against the killing of a 29-year-old man who had been stabbed.
However, they took advantage of the situation to launch attacks on unsuspecting residents, robbing them of their valuables in broad daylight.
A video circulating on social media captures chilling scenes of the gang storming a residential area, wielding machetes, and chasing terrified residents out of their homes.
Witnesses reported that the gang members attacked anyone who resisted, injuring several people, including a journalist from a local radio station.
“I was returning home from work when I unknowingly walked into a group of about six young men. The moment they saw me, one of them pulled out a machete. I tried to run, but I tripped and fell.
That’s when one of them struck me, cutting off my ear,” a victim recounted, still in shock.
Residents revealed that some gang members wear masks to hide their identities, while others operate openly without any attempt to disguise themselves.
“They raided my shop and threatened my employee with a machete. They ordered her to open the counter or they would kill her,” another distressed resident shared.
This gang, notorious for its brutal machete attacks, is not new to the area. Over time, they have instilled fear among locals, particularly business owners, forcing many to shut down their shops to avoid being targeted.
One businessman revealed that he had suffered losses amounting to over Ksh500,000 during a previous attack by the gang.
Additionally, the criminals have been blocking roads in the area, robbing motorists and passengers for hours, bringing transport to a standstill.
Residents are now living in fear and are pleading for urgent intervention as the gang’s activities have paralyzed businesses, cutting off their primary means of earning a livelihood.
Concerns are growing over the resurgence of criminal gangs along the coastal region. However, in a significant breakthrough, police have managed to arrest several gang members following an attack on travelers heading to Kongowea Market.
Authorities also recovered weapons, including machetes and knives, believed to have been used in previous attacks. Security officials have vowed to crack down on the gang and restore peace in the region.
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