Government bans night street weddings in Mombasa

Police in Mombasa have banned night street weddings that go past 11 pm in a move seeking to deal with insecurity perpetuated by juvenile criminal gangs.

Mombasa County Police Commnader Johnston Ipara on Sunday directed that all weddings must be conducted in social halls and should not go beyond 11pm.

The ban was declared hours after rival criminal gangs from Majengo and Old Town resurfaced this weekend and clashed before attacking residents who were attending a wedding in the area.

A video also surfaced online of panga-wielding youth who were captured bragging that they would kill in Majengo, Mombasa.

Speaking to journalists at Central Police Station in Mombasa Island on Sunday, Mr. Ipara confirmed that four suspects had surrendered to the police, but warned those caught on video carrying machetes to do so before police catch up with them.

He said the decision to ban late night wedding ceremonies was reached following increased attacks by panga and knife wielding gangs in Mombasa.

Several children were attacked and injured during a wedding in Majengo area, with their [parents now calling on the police to reign in on the marauding gangs.