Rising Insecurity Along Kenya’s Coast: HAKI Africa and Social Justice Groups Demand Action

Image:Yusuf Aboubakar, Executive Director of HAKI Africa addressing the media.

Alarm bells are ringing over escalating security concerns along the Kenyan coast, stretching from Lunga Lunga to Lamu. In a joint press briefing held on Thursday, HAKI Africa and the National Social Justice Centres Working Group decried the deteriorating safety situation, citing increased incidents of juvenile gang violence, intercommunal clashes, and systemic corruption.  

Mrs. Naila Abdalla of the Social Justice Working Group highlighted a disturbing trend of juvenile gangs terrorizing public spaces. She referred to a gruesome attack in Kisauni where victims were mutilated and severely injured. “These incidents are not isolated,” she said. “They represent a growing threat to the safety of both residents and visitors.”  

The situation has been compounded by deadly clashes in Madogo and Mbalambala in Tana River County, which recently claimed 14 lives and left many others injured. Residents are now living in fear, with the festive season adding to the urgency of addressing these security gaps.

Simon Kazungu, Chairperson of the Social Justice Working Group, called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Ministry of Interior to act swiftly. “The coast is Kenya’s tourism hub, yet insecurity threatens this vital sector. We need increased police patrols and functional security infrastructure, including streetlights,” he said.  

Image: Police officers in patrol 

Kazungu also urged the public to remain vigilant during the holiday season, which traditionally sees a spike in criminal activity. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration with police and the need for residents to promote peace and harmony.  

Yusuf Aboubakar, Executive Director of HAKI Africa, raised alarm over the pervasive corruption within the police force. “Tax-paying citizens deserve better services,” he said, calling for an urgent crackdown on graft within the security sector.  

Aboubakar also took aim at politicians accused of exploiting unemployed youths for personal gain. Referring to a recent incident in Malindi where activists were attacked, he warned that such leaders would be exposed. “If this continues, we will deplatform these politicians, report them to higher authorities, and ensure they are removed from office,” he threatened.  

Image; Angry youths in demonstration 

Statistics from the National Social Justice Centres Working Group paint a bleak picture of widespread poverty, rising gender-based violence (GBV), and rampant youth unemployment. Aboubakar urged the government to implement immediate measures to address these issues, arguing that poverty and hopelessness are fueling insecurity.  

“This region deserves better,” he concluded. “We cannot allow corruption, poverty, and political exploitation to continue undermining the safety and prosperity of our people.”  

With the Coast region’s reputation as a tourism hotspot hanging in the balance, stakeholders are calling for decisive action to restore security and public confidence. As the festive season approaches, the message from HAKI Africa and the Social Justice Centres Working Group is clear: it is time to act—before it is too late.