Members of a criminal gang popularly known by Mombasa residents as Panga Boys, are now wearing buibui to conceal their identities as they carry out their illegal activities.
Buibui is a Kiswahili refers to a traditional garment, which is a long black gown, with a head covering, that is normally worn by Muslim women, especially in East Africa.
In a viral CCTV video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, two suspected thugs were caught on camera attacking a drunk man. They later stole his belongings after beating him up.
One of the thugs was fully dressed in a buibui, making it hard to see their face. The other was seen holding a shovel. The one who was wearing the buibui was carrying a panga that had initially been hidden under the garment.
After robbing the man and taking his valuables, one of the thugs hit him and left him lying on the ground. The disturbing video has caused fear among residents and led to calls for better security.
Hussein Khalid, the Executive Director of VOCAL Africa, said the incident allegedly happened in Kisauni.
“Just received a disturbing video of panga boys clad in buibui attacking a person allegedly in Mombasa Kisauni area,” said Khalid.
He also blamed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for not taking action despite them raising their concerns.
“Let it be known that Murkomen is failing to do his work, including reigning in on incompetence under his docket. We, the Coast community, hold Murkomen personally responsible for security lapses,” Khalid stated.
On April 1, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested 51 suspects linked to the notorious Panga Boys gang operating in the Kwale and Mombasa counties.
In a statement on Tuesday, DCI reported that 51 were arrested during the ongoing crackdown being carried out in the coastal region after public uproar from business owners, politicians, and human rights organisations on the concerning rise in criminal gangs.
The latest arrests were made in the neighbourhoods of Corner Ya Kisauni, Jocham Hospital, Barisheba, Sunlight, Mwandoni, Junda, Cobra, and Kadongo Grounds in Kisauni Subcounty.
In March, DCI reported that 120 members of the notorious gang had been arrested in Diani, Kwale County, following a week-long operation.
During the arrest, five tuk-tuks suspected of having been used in the snatching of phones were also confiscated.
