Elders from Malindi high and Ngala estates in Malindi town hold a night meeting at the Malindi High estate village elder Omar Galgalo’s home in Malindi town, Kilifi County to discuss rising insecurity caused by juvenile gangs in the area. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
Community elders in Malindi have launched a series of night meetings aimed at finding lasting solutions to the growing insecurity linked to juvenile gangs in the town.
The elders say the initiative will also strengthen family-to-family engagements to ensure parents take a more active role in guiding and mentoring their children in order to prevent them from falling into crime, drug abuse, and other forms of immorality.
Speaking during the first meeting, Malindi High Estate village elder Omar Galgalo expressed concern over laws prohibiting corporal punishment, arguing that they have limited parents and guardians from effectively disciplining children.
“Our children today are well informed about the law and if you attempt to discipline them, they quickly report the matter to the police, leaving parents in trouble. We need a review of the law to allow parents to carry out their disciplinary responsibilities within families,” he said.
Galgalo noted that in the past, parents and neighbors collectively took responsibility for disciplining children, a culture he claimed has since diminished following the enforcement of laws against corporal punishment.
“In the past, I could discipline my neighbour’s child and later inform the parent why I did so, and it would be accepted positively. Today, things have changed, and some parents even encourage indiscipline among their children,” he added.
Another elder, Isaac Angore from Ngala Estate, said the meetings, commonly referred to as “dhomes,” could help address not only insecurity but also wider social challenges if supported by all stakeholders.
“From today’s meeting, and if these forums continue with support from all stakeholders, I believe we will not only solve insecurity problems but also address many other societal issues,” he said.
Angore also accused some politicians of frustrating efforts to combat insecurity by allegedly facilitating the release of criminal suspects from police custody.
“Politicians who are supposed to make laws and protect them are the same people undermining them by interfering with police work and securing the release of suspects,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, Merab Shibayunga, the coordinator of Mwanamke Imara Kilifi, which is sponsoring the meetings in partnership with Search for Common Ground, said the forums also involve key stakeholders including the National Police Service, the Children’s Department, and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
She said the collaboration is intended to restore security in Malindi while promoting responsible parenting and moral upbringing among children.
“The elders have proposed amendments to laws on corporal punishment and other legislations to empower parents in instilling discipline among their children,” she said.
