MOMBASA, KENYA: Police in Mombasa is holding 26 suspects arrested during a crackdown on clubs and bars offering the outlawed Shisha tobacco.Despite its ban, last year on health grounds consumption of shisha remains widespread in Mombasa among millennials and the wealthy in exclusive clubs.
The suspects were seized in the Sunday night crackdown by a multi-agency team in Nyali area. It is unclear whether the detainees were charged or freed.
The owner of the popular Shisha den according to police was also apprehended.Mombasa county police commander Johnston Ipara told the standard police also seized 16 Shisha pots during the crackdown. Police did not also identify any of the detainees by name.
There were unconfirmed reports that among the suspects apprehended were six foreigners but the police boss refuted the claims saying all were of Kenyan nationality.
“We have doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen, and many others, “Ipara said.He said women were also among the suspects and will be arraigned in courts once the investigation is over.Mr. Ipara noted that all the police bosses in the six sub-counties have been notified to continue with the crackdown of the illicit trade gaining momentum in the city even after its ban several months ago.
