A deadly gang attack in Likoni, Mombasa, that left one county enforcement officer dead and several others seriously injured has prompted calls for parents at the Coast to closely monitor their children's behaviour and whereabouts during the school holidays amid concerns over youth recruitment into criminal gangs.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), Coast Region, said families, religious leaders and community leaders must work together to prevent young people from being recruited into criminal activities. The council also called for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.

SUPKEM Coast Regional Coordinator Khamis Akbar Mwaguzo said the attack on police officers and county enforcement officers in Shika Adabu highlighted the urgent need for communities to address criminal activities involving young people.

One county enforcement officer was killed while several others sustained serious injuries after an unidentified gang attacked the officers with machetes.

Mwaguzo urged young people to shun criminal gangs and violence, calling on parents to closely monitor their children's activities, particularly during the ongoing school holidays.

He said tackling insecurity required cooperation between families, communities and security agencies, rather than leaving the responsibility to law enforcement officers alone.

The council also urged religious and political leaders to use their platforms to discourage violence and promote peaceful coexistence. It warned that divisive politics and hate speech could undermine relations among communities and worsen insecurity.

SUPKEM further called on security agencies to intensify patrols and pursue those responsible for the Likoni attack, particularly in areas prone to criminal activities.

However, Mwaguzo said security operations must be conducted within the law and respect human rights, warning against the harassment of innocent residents.

The council warned that continued insecurity could endanger lives and property while disrupting economic activities in the Coast region, including tourism and investment.

It urged residents to cooperate with authorities by reporting criminal elements and helping prevent further violence.