The Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has authorized police officers to use firearms against armed criminal suspects in Mombasa County due to a surge in violent gang activity. This directive comes amidst intensifying operations targeting gangs like 'panga boys' and follows several high-profile violent incidents.

• Ali Nuno stated he has given police orders to use weapons the moment a thief is found raising a machete against someone.
• The National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) reported in a 2025 survey that Mombasa hosts 73 active gangs.
• High-risk areas include Likoni, Kisauni, Mvita, and parts of Nyali and Tononoka.
• Incidents include a January 2026 assault on a security guard in Tononoka, the January 2025 murder of IEBC official Aisha Abubakar in Kilifi, and a November 2024 machete attack in Bamburi Mwisho that severed a man's hand.