Kenya: Increase in violent crime in Mombasa

Event

A recent spike of violent crime has been reported in Mombasa for the past two weeks. Ten people have been murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang mostly operating in the Kisauni area of the city. According to local reports, the assailants have been seen with police uniforms and their attacks mostly consist of home and shops invasions or assaults in public spaces. An increased security presence has been deployed to the area, however, further attacks are possible in the near term. Furthermore, crime rates are expected to continue to rise, as is traditionally the case, in the run-up to the year-end holiday season.

Context

Crime rates are very high in urban areas throughout Kenya (e.g. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) and at beach resorts. Pickpocketing, assaults (including sexual assault), carjackings, and residential burglaries happen on a regular basis and tend to increase after nightfall. Foreigners are often specifically targeted due to their presumed wealth.

Advice

Individuals in Mombasa are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the above area. On a more general note, individuals throughout the country are advised to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Remain vigilant at all times while in public

• Minimize travel by foot

• Avoid going out after nightfall

• Maintain a low profile and avoid any conspicuous dress

• Whenever possible, travel with a local guide

• Be extremely vigilant at ATMs and when exiting banks

• As criminals are often armed, never offer resistance during an attempted robbery; obey all orders given, avoid eye contact and sudden movements, and do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible

• To avoid becoming an easy target, vary daily routes to reduce the predictability of your movements

• When driving, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and all valuables out of plain sight; maintain sufficient space between you and the car ahead of you to allow for room to maneuver, keeping in mind that you are vulnerable when stuck in traffic

• If you believe you may be being followed, drive to a police station or other public facility, never home

• Park as close to your destination as possible when traveling by car, particularly after dark

• When possible, use a chauffeured car service; never use public transportation