Italian-based Malindi artiste Makushabu Watalii has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity in Malindi and neighbouring areas, urging residents to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities.
The rapper expressed frustration at what he termed as the “growing impunity” among criminal gangs and the apparent breakdown of community vigilance.
He noted that despite arrests being made, many suspects are often released after their families intervene, only to return to the streets and continue terrorizing residents.
“Usalama wetu unaanza na sisi wenyewe, sio askari tu,” he wrote, stressing that community safety begins with citizens themselves, not just the police.
Makushabu recounted how residents had in the past taken matters into their own hands after a spate of bodaboda and mahonda thefts.
In those cases, he said, some of the thieves were subjected to mob justice after repeated reoffending, a move that temporarily curbed the thefts but raised questions about vigilantism.
The Bonga song maker also expressed concern over the emergence of a more dangerous group whom identify themselves as Woza gang, who he described as ruthless and responsible for several violent attacks in the area.
According to him, these individuals often walk free after being reported to police, leading to more killings and fear among residents.
“Walking at night has become a nightmare,” he lamented. “These people live among us and many know them but remain silent. It’s time we worked with the police to clean our neighbourhoods.”
The artiste, who maintains strong ties with his hometown despite living abroad, called for stronger collaboration between the police and the community, saying that security must be a shared responsibility.
“I love Malindi more than any other town in the world,” he said. “Protecting my town and my people is my life.”