More than six people have been injured in the latest wave of separate gang attacks in Likoni, Mombasa County, as residents and boda boda operators raise alarm over persistent insecurity in the coastal neighbourhood.
The latest incidents come amid continued reports of gang violence in Likoni, where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over suspected criminals targeting members of the public with machetes and other crude weapons.
The attacks have heightened fears among people who depend on work to earn a living, particularly motorcycle taxi operators who often travel through different parts of the area.
Among the latest victims is Mohamed Juma, a boda boda operator who says he was attacked on Saturday night by a group of suspected gang members armed with machetes and other weapons.
Juma says the attackers confronted him while he was conducting his transport business and demanded money. He recounts that the situation turned violent after he refused to comply with their demands.
“There were several of them. They started demanding money from me, but when I refused, they began forcing me to carry several people on one motorcycle. They later got an opportunity to attack and injure me,” Juma said.
Juma said he was tired of repeated attacks and robberies by suspected gangs, describing the insecurity as a threat to people trying to make a living. His account reflects concerns among operators who say they can be exposed to danger while picking up or dropping off passengers.
Florence Situma, the wife of another victim, described the distress she experienced after learning that her husband had been attacked.
She said she struggled to locate him before eventually finding him injured and in need of medical attention. Her account points to the uncertainty families face when relatives are caught up in violent incidents.
Ndegwa Baya, a brother of another victim, spoke about the injured man’s condition and the challenges encountered in securing medical attention after the machete attack.
Their experiences underline the human cost of insecurity for households across the neighbourhood. The repeated accounts have also placed pressure on families, who must seek treatment, establish what happened and support injured relatives while awaiting clear information about investigations from authorities as well.
The accounts provided by the victims and their relatives concern separate incidents. They do not establish that all the victims were attacked at the same time or by one group, but add to reports of recurring violence in the neighbourhood.
Residents say the attacks have left people anxious about moving around the area, particularly when travelling to or from work. Boda boda operators are among those concerned because their jobs require them to navigate different routes and interact with unfamiliar passengers.
Patrick Kioko, a boda boda operator in Likoni, said attacks by suspected gangs had become a major concern for people living and working in the area.
He appealed to security officers, including those attached to local police stations, to intervene and take action against those responsible. Kioko said the threats had left residents fearful as they went about their daily activities.
He wants police to intensify patrols, investigate the reported incidents, arrest suspects and ensure those found responsible are brought to justice.
Residents are also urging local security officials to take reports of gang activity seriously. They say sustained patrols and investigations are needed to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in public safety.
The incidents have renewed questions about security measures in Likoni, with residents seeking a more visible and consistent police presence. They want officers to establish whether the attacks are linked, identify those involved and disrupt any criminal activity threatening the community.
For boda boda operators and other informal-sector workers, the insecurity poses a direct threat to their livelihoods. Continuing to work is essential, but fear of being attacked or robbed can make journeys more dangerous and undermine their ability to earn.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention so people can travel, work and conduct business without fear for themselves and their families. They want authorities to investigate each incident, bring those responsible to justice and ensure that further attacks are prevented.
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