Malindi: Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Laura Mnyazi has voiced her support for Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno’s directive to ‘shoot to kill’ criminal gangs known locally as mawoza, emphasizing the need for police to operate without interference.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ms. Mnyazi expressed her backing during a ceremony for the construction of hostels at a Vocational Training College, highlighting the terror these gangs have inflicted on residents through violent attacks. She underscored the importance of allowing law enforcement to perform their duties, while also urging the youth to abandon criminal activities or face the repercussions.
The MP criticized human rights activists for their silence during the attacks on residents and for only speaking out following police warnings to armed gangs. She questioned the timing of the activists’ concerns, asking, “Where were they when people were being killed and hacked with machetes? Let the police do their job.”
Ms. Mnyazi pointed out that many victims continue to suffer from serious injuries or have lost their lives due to gang violence. She recounted incidents such as a tourist losing a hand in broad daylight and a village elder being killed after testifying in a criminal case.
The legislator accused opponents of the police action of exploiting the youth for personal gain and urged parents to guide their children away from crime. She warned parents of the potential consequences if their children continued down a path of criminal behavior and stressed the importance of taking preventive action.
Addressing the youth, Ms. Mnyazi advised them to avoid association with criminal groups and maintain discipline, particularly during nighttime hours. “By 8 or 9 p.m., be at home. Don’t loiter in the streets. A shoot-to-kill order has been issued, and many criminals will be brought down. The youth must be careful,” she cautioned.
