50 Youths in Kwale Surrender to Police, Vow to Abandon Criminal Activities
In a significant development for community security, fifty youths in Kwale County have voluntarily surrendered to the police, renouncing their involvement in criminal activities. The group, which had been associated with various gangs responsible for robberies and extortion, formally turned themselves in at the Kwale Police Station. The event was facilitated through the intervention of local religious leaders, elders, and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), who have been mediating for peace.
The youths took an oath, pledging to become law-abiding citizens and to actively contribute to peace-building within their communities. They cited a desire for a better life and the negative impact of crime on their families and society as their primary reasons for surrendering. Security officials have welcomed the move, viewing it as a major victory for community-led conflict resolution and a testament to the power of dialogue over pure enforcement.
The County Commissioner, Gideon Othino, assured the youths of the government’s support in their rehabilitation and reintegration. He stated that the administration would work with relevant partners to provide them with access to vocational training and economic opportunities to ensure they do not slide back into crime. This mass surrender is expected to significantly reduce gang-related violence in the region and is being hailed as a model for other counties grappling with similar challenges of youth involvement in crime.