Police impostors extorting money from locals, Marwa says

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa has warned against police impostors extorting money from residents and businessmen in the county.

Mr Marwa said the impostors move around the county flashing fake police identification cards and demanding money from their victims. "There is a dangerous militia using fake police IDs to extort money from unsuspecting locals. We urge the public to report suspicious cases to police," he said.

Marwa said the gang was part of a wide criminal network in the county that was also responsible for last week's attack on a police officer in Old Town. During the incident, the gang wrestled a G3 rifle from the officer and used it to shoot him in the head.

County Police Commander Francis Wanjohi told locals to scrutinise cards issued by anyone claiming to be a police officer.

"The genuine police employment card issued by the Government has the rank of the police officer, water mark and the officer's blood group. The card also has the signature of the issuing authority at the back," said Mr Wanjohi.

He said fake cards did not have a water mark and were only printed on one side.

Marwa asked police to step up vigilance and arrest members of the gangs operating in the county, whom he said were out to destabilise peace in the county ahead of the 2017 General Election.

The county commissioner warned armed criminals, adding that gangs were being sponsored to cause chaos for political reasons ahead of the polls. "There is no law that allows criminals to kill with abandon and go Scot-free," said Marwa.

"Who is protecting the marauding gangs of youths who move around in posh cars and tinted vehicles dressed in bui bui?" Posed Marwa. He also directed police to arrest members of a gang called 'Mombasa Crime Alert', which he alleged was affiliated to the county inspectorate.