01/04/2025
A gang of over 50 youths accosted cruise passengers who arrived in Mombasa yesterday and made off with valuables, leading to the cancellation of their visits to the port city.
The attack, which occurred at the renowned Pembe za Ndovu on Moi Avenue, prompted the police and county officials to deploy officers to areas frequented by tourists.
The 1,169 passengers and crew arrived aboard the MV Crystal Symphony from Mahe, Seychelles, and will be departing today (Tuesday) for the vibrant Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar.
This was the final cruise ship to dock at the Port of Mombasa this season, which ends in April. The next cruise ship season begins later in September.
"Officers from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the ship to apologise for the attack and assure the tourists," said a KTB officer yesterday.
The official, who requested anonymity as she is not authorised to speak to the press, said no tourist was injured, although most cancelled their visit to Old Town and returned to the ship.
Security agencies are battling a surge in crime in Mombasa and Kwale, attributed to machete-wielding gangs terrorising locals, traders, and tourists. At least 200 suspects were arrested on Saturday.
