Police Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli on Sunday, April 5, confirmed that a firearm recovered from a street urchin in Mombasa was not genuine.
Addressing the media at a public beach, Masengeli reassured the public that there was no security threat, clarifying that the suspected weapon was actually a toy.
The statement followed an incident in which the street urchin was arrested at gunpoint by a multi-agency security team after being found in possession of what appeared to be a Ceska pistol.
Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli Confirms Gun Found with Street Urchin Was Fake. Photo: Courtesy.
He further noted that a medical evaluation conducted at a Mombasa hospital indicated the individual was mentally unstable.
The Deputy Inspector General was in Mombasa conducting a public engagement and security patrol at Pirates Public Beach as part of efforts to enhance safety during the Easter holidays.
He was accompanied by Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, with the two assuring residents that security agencies were actively addressing emerging threats, including the notorious “Panga Boys” gang.
The reassurance followed a viral video showing the dramatic arrest of a street urchin at the Likoni Ferry, which sparked widespread speculation among Kenyans about the man’s identity and intentions.
Some members of the public suspected he could have been linked to a terror group, possibly planning an attack, while others speculated that he might have been an undercover operative from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) monitoring security threats.
The incident raised concerns about the safety of the thousands of commuters who rely on ferry services daily.
In response, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga issued a statement emphasizing that security agencies remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the public nationwide.
Nyaga also called on Kenyans to report any suspicious individuals or activities that could pose potential security risks.
