Human rights activists, who are known historically for condemning police actions have now changed tune and commended officers for a job well done.
The activists have congratulated officers from Central police station for conducting a raid and arresting suspected criminals.
The officers, in collaboration with residents, on Thursday raided a house used by the Temeke criminal gang operating in Kuze, Old Town, Mombasa county.
Two suspected gang members, Fareed Mbarak, 26, and Abra Mwinyi, 21, were apprehended.
However, their leader escaped.
Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid commended police for the manner in which the raid was conducted.
He said it is encouraging to see police arresting suspects.
“This is the way to go. We are tired of hearing cases of police shooting and killing suspects. That is extrajudicial killing and it does not help,” said Khalid.
“This move is an excellent show of how the security authorities can work together with members of the community to promote safety and security. It is also a good example of how suspects should be arrested and made to face the law,” he added.
Temeke is one of the juvenile criminal gangs operating in Mombasa county.
Security apparatus have declared war on criminal gangs that have been terrorising residents.
Old Town, Majengo, Kisaunki and Likoni are notorious hideouts for the gangs, which sometimes clash, leaving a trail of destruction, injuries and death.
Mombasa county police commander Johnston Ipara said the two were charged with being in possession of drugs and stolen property.
“The two were found with 5kg of bhang – 15 sachets and 21 roles,” Ipara said on Friday.
He said police also recovered two swords, a knife, Sh13,641.
Four phones were also recovered.