WEEKLY CONFLICT EARLY WARNING EARLY RESPONSE BRIEF 30th May, 2025
INTRODUCTION.
The KECOSCE (www.kecosce.org) is an interactive and interconnected system designed to track community safety and crime prevention efforts across the Coastal region of Kenya. The platform operates through a network of community volunteers known as peace monitors, who continuously scan their surroundings for potential conflict indicators. These observations are actively transmitted to relevant actors, enabling timely and proactive responses to emerging threats.
KECOSCE EWER monitored conflicts using the EWER mechanism, a total of 18 incidents were disaggregated from across the coast region of Kenya. This is a decrease of 15% from the last week indicating an improvement in the state of security perhaps attributed to heightened police responses to crime. This week, about 10 locals in Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu were swept by the ocean waves after they allegedly defied the safety advisory from the relevant authorities. 6 were rescued in Lamu after a bought capsized in Mwituni area, while 2 others in Kilifi were still missing as the high tides and rough ocean persisted even beyond the forecasted three days.
Key Highlights.
- 1. Criminal gangs are still active in Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu, causing fear and insecurity in the region.
- Lack of economic opportunities continues to drive youth into criminal activities in Kilifi County.
- Law enforcement respond to incidents including gang activity in Kisauni, resurgent crime in Nyali, and a major drug enforcement bust in Mtwapa.
- Mombasa County, particularly Changamwe, Likoni, Mvita, Nyali, and Kisauni, remains highly volatile due to active criminal gang operations.
WEEKLY SITIUATIONAL UPDATES AS FROM 23RD TO 30TH MAY, 2025.
KECOSCE EWER disaggregated a total of 19 incidents were disaggregated from across the coast region of Kenya.
4 threats to security, 1 resource based dispute, and 1 case of sexual and Gender based violence and another 3 of lethal events resulting to the death of a youth in Madogo. In addition, KEWER monitored the climate security and disseminated one message information through the SMS blast system. This week, 9 reports were shared to the farmers and other community stakeholders.
About 10 locals in Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu were swept by the ocean waves after they allegedly defied the safety advisory from the relevant authorities. 6 were rescued in Lamu after a bought capsized in Mwituni area, while 2 others in Kilifi were still missing as the high tides and rough ocean persisted even beyond the forecasted three days. The EWER supported the county government in disseminating early warning alerts for the locals to observe safety until the conditions improved.
Mombasa was the most volatile in the coastal region of Kenya recording major threats to security manifested through the operation of the criminal gangs. In Mombasa, Changamwe, Likoni, Mvita, Nyali and Kisauni reported criminal activities perpetrated by operation of gangs. Tana River is also becoming hotter especially in the areas of madogo and parts of Garsen.
In Kilifi county, Malindi and Kilifi north were the most volatile reporting crimes.
This week the security and peace actors deliberated on the drivers of operation of criminal gangs in Mombasa, specifically in Kisauni sub county where the operation of the gangs became severe, devising new strategies such as using female clothes like bui bui to target and waylay locals.
Criminal Gang Activity Persists in the Region. A gang of about 10 youths armed with machetes and batons was spotted by members of the public in the Mshomoroni area amid the ongoing public outcry over an escalation of theft and violent robberies in the area that is being targeted by the suspected gang. This week, Mjambere police arrested one of the suspects and recovered 4 pangas, an iron bar, and a mobile phone.
Unknown individuals attacked some residents of the Mwina clusters in Kibaoni, located in Tana Delta, Tana River County, by cutting down and setting fire to their houses. Confirming the incident, the area chief, Jarha Dhadho, stated that the attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Lack of economic opportunities and jobs remains a key driver of youths to engage in criminal and violent activities in Kilif County. Many youths continue to terrorize locals, raising concerns among residents. This week, youths drawn from the larger Kilifi county flocked Karisa Maitha field to participate in the recruitment process for the overseas employment opportunities.
Response to reported incidents.
During the reporting period, various state and local actors demonstrated responsiveness to emergent issues, addressing a total of 17 distinct reports.
State actors, comprising the police, judiciary, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), collectively addressed seven (7) reports. Concurrently, local actors, including peace monitors, Nyumba Kumi initiatives, and village-level peace committees (DPCs), also responded to seven (7) reports. The Kenya Meteorological Department contributed by responding to three (3) reports, indicating engagement across various sectors.
these include the following;
Notable incidents and responses include:
Law Enforcement Action in Kisauni: Police in Kisauni successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be a member of a gang implicated in a series of violent attacks and robberies across Mshomoroni, Junda, and Kangujo. This action followed a timely tip-off and a proactive patrol response to reports of suspicious youth activity in unfinished buildings near Mjambere Police Station. Officers encountered a group of eight individuals reportedly armed with crude weapons, including machetes and iron bars.
Community Intelligence on Crime in Nyali: A dedicated peace and cohesion monitor from Ziwa la Ng’ombe alerted the local area chief and the KECOSCE Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) team regarding a resurgence of criminal and violent activities in Nyali. The perpetrator is believed to be an individual recently released from correctional facilities.
Drug Enforcement in Mtwapa: In intensified efforts against drug and substance abuse, Mtwapa police successfully arrested an individual found in possession of five (5) bags of bhang. The illicit substance was discovered in a Mtwapa residence, with the arrest significantly aided by intelligence provided by vigilant community volunteers. Security agencies have since reiterated their appeal to the public for continued cooperation and provision of crucial intelligence to facilitate ongoing actions against criminal enterprises.