Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Laura Mnyazi has supported Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno’s shoot to kill order against criminal gangs locally known as mawoza, insisting that police must be allowed to carry out their work without interference.
Speaking during the site handover ceremony for the construction of hostels at Vocational Training College on Monday, Ms. Mnyazi said the gangs have terrorized residents for years, maiming and killing innocent people with machetes.
“These are hardened criminals who have caused untold suffering to our residents. I will not interfere with police work. It is the responsibility of the youth themselves to abandon crime, otherwise they will face the consequences,” she said.
The MP criticized human rights activists, accusing them of remaining silent while residents were under attack, only to speak out after police issued firm warnings to armed gangs.
“I have seen many people, including activists, condemning Ali Nuno. But where were they when people were being killed and hacked with machetes? Let the police do their job,” she said.
The legislator noted that many victims were still nursing serious injuries, while others have lost their lives.
She cited incidents including a tourist who had his hand chopped off in broad daylight and a village elder who was killed after testifying in a criminal case.
The legislator argued that those opposing police action are individuals seeking to exploit the youth for selfish interests and urged parents to take responsibility and guide their children well.
“Parents must warn their children to abandon bad behaviour. If they don’t, they will get into serious trouble, and as a leader, I don’t want to be blamed later,” she cautioned.
Addressing the youth directly, Ms. Mnyazi urged them to disassociate from criminal groups and observe discipline, especially at night.
“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 warned.\
by Emmanuel Masha & Martin Mwangolo
