Religious leaders in Likoni sub-county, Mombasa County, have called for an urgent and coordinated approach in a bid to address the resurgence of criminal gangs in the area.
Speaking in Mtongwe, Fr. Henry Ndune of the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Mtongwe, decried that boys as young as 13 years old are involved in criminal activities.
Fr. Ndune urged parents to monitor their children’s movement and to avoid engaging in unruly behavior.
“We must instill good morals in them,” he said.
Fr. Ndune highlighted the church’s proactive efforts through a school-based initiative, Making Life Responsible Choices (MLRC), currently being implemented in three schools across Likoni.
He noted that the program aims to steer youth away from crime and drug abuse by fostering informed, ethical decision-making.
“I would like to encourage parents to familiarize themselves with the programme modules. First, children must know their gender, and they are supposed to be responsible citizens.”
On his part, Fr. Mwatigina Mghanga said that when parents are raised with good morals, they usually do not engage in vice.
He lauded the government for launching the National Positive Parenting program, which will equip parents with good parenting teachings.
The Sub-County has been singled out for having notorious criminal gangs, including the Panga boys, Gaza, and Squad Chafu that have been accused of terrorizing the locals.