A wave of violent attacks by suspected Panga Boys gang members has sparked fresh fear and anger among residents of Likoni in Mombasa County. More than six people have reportedly sustained serious injuries after being attacked by youths armed with machetes and other crude weapons. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of residents, boda boda operators and other people who depend on daily activities to earn a living. Families of the victims are demanding urgent intervention from security agencies, saying the gang attacks have made life increasingly difficult for people living and working in the area.How the attacks happened

According to reports, the attacks involved groups of youths suspected to be members of the Panga Boys gang, who allegedly targeted residents as they went about their normal activities.

The attackers were reportedly armed with machetes and blunt objects, which they used to threaten, rob and seriously injure their victims. Some of those attacked were people working late hours or travelling within the neighbourhood.

The incidents have particularly affected people who depend on informal employment, including motorcycle taxi operators, who regularly move through different parts of Likoni to transport passengers.

Residents say the attacks have created an atmosphere of fear, with some people becoming increasingly worried about travelling at night or working during hours when security is limited.According to his account, he was moving passengers from one location to another when he encountered a group of youths armed with machetes and other weapons.

The attackers allegedly demanded money from him. When he could not meet their demands, they found an opportunity to assault him.

Juma explained that the gang members stole his money and mobile phone during the incident. They also damaged his trousers while attempting to take his belongings.

He sustained serious machete injuries that required medical attention.

After receiving treatment, Juma was discharged from hospital and instructed to return for a medical review after three days.According to her account, her husband had been returning from church when he was confronted and attacked by youths armed with machetes.

The incident left him with serious injuries, particularly to his head, resulting in significant blood loss.

He was rushed for medical attention, where doctors attended to his condition.

Florence's account highlights the suffering experienced by families whose loved ones become victims of violent criminal activities.

For relatives, the consequences of such attacks extend beyond the injuries themselves. Families are forced to deal with hospital expenses, emotional distress and uncertainty about the recovery of their loved ones.Ndegwa Baya spoke about the experience of two brothers who were among those affected by the attacks.

According to the account reported, one of the victims was a motorcycle taxi operator who was attacked while waiting for a passenger.

The attackers reportedly robbed him of money and his mobile phone before using a machete to inflict injuries.

Another victim sustained an injury to the eye and continued receiving medical attention.

These accounts have demonstrated the seriousness of the reported attacks, with some victims sustaining injuries that could affect their ability to work and carry out normal activities.They argue that the situation requires more than temporary patrols, insisting that security agencies should identify and arrest individuals responsible for the attacks.

Patrick Kioko, a boda boda operator in Likoni, expressed concern over the growing insecurity and called on local security officials to take the matter seriously.

He urged the Officer Commanding Police Division and the Officer Commanding Police Station to investigate the reported incidents and ensure that those involved face the law.

Boda boda operators say they are among the most exposed groups because their work requires them to travel through different neighbourhoods, sometimes at night.According to a report , the arrests followed distress calls from members of the public reporting attacks by suspected Panga Boys gang members.

Police officers reportedly launched an undercover operation at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 14.

The operation covered several locations, including Jamvi la Wageni, Kiwerera and Soweto.

Officers subsequently traced the suspects to a house in Kiwerera, which was believed to be their hideout.During the operation, officers reportedly recovered two machetes, a knife and a wooden club.

The suspects were photographed at the scene before being escorted to Likoni Police Station, where they were placed in custody pending further police action.

The arrests represent an important step in the security response to the reported attacks. However, the suspects remain suspects, and their guilt must be established through the legal process.

Police are expected to continue investigations to establish whether the four individuals were connected to the reported attacks and whether other people were involved.The latest incidents have once again brought attention to the problem of machete-wielding gangs in Mombasa County.

The Panga Boys name has featured in previous reports involving attacks, robberies and intimidation of residents.

In September 2026, religious leaders in Likoni raised concerns after a cleric was reportedly attacked by a group of six people while heading for morning prayers.

The cleric sustained serious head injuries, prompting religious leaders to demand stronger security measures.

The September incident and the latest November attacks have increased public concern about the safety of people living in Likoni.

Residents believe that criminal activities should be addressed before they become more widespread and threaten the stability of the community.Impact on businesses and livelihoods

The reported attacks have also raised concerns about the economic consequences of insecurity in Likoni.

Small-scale traders, motorcycle taxi operators and other workers depend on movement within the neighbourhood to earn their daily income.

When people fear being attacked, they may avoid travelling during certain hours, reducing business opportunities for those who depend on customers.

Boda boda operators are particularly vulnerable because they frequently interact with strangers and sometimes receive requests to transport passengers to unfamiliar destinations.

A violent attack can leave an operator unable to work for several days or even longer, depending on the seriousness of the injuries.What residents want the government to do

Following the attacks and subsequent arrests, residents want the government to strengthen security operations in Likoni.

They are calling for increased police patrols, investigations into reported criminal activities and the arrest of individuals found to be involved in attacks and robberies.

They also want security agencies to improve their response to distress calls and work closely with community members who may have information about criminal activities.

Boda boda operators want a safer working environment where they can transport passengers without worrying about being robbed or attacked.

Families of the victims are also hoping that those responsible will be brought to justice and that injured relatives will receive the necessary medical attention.