The youth were arrested when police raided Minaa, Swafaa, Musa and Sakina mosques in September last year in an anti-terrorism crackdown and held in prison.
And yesterday, Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa confirmed that some of the youth are missing.
“Politicians pleaded with the government to free them from prison, promising to guide them on to the right path. But now, it is shocking the youth have vanished. Where are they and what are they doing? Only a few who can be traced,” said Mr Marwa.
Mr Marwa told a security meeting at Mkomani Showground on Monday that he wants parents to come clean on the whereabouts of their missing children. “They had grenades, firearms and Al-Shabaab literature when they were arrested. When they left the prison, we were told they would be rehabilitated. Parents should tell us the truth.”
Meanwhile, Mr Marwa who chairs the county security committee said all schools and colleges have been secured after reports Al Shabaab recruits are out to lure students to join the terror group.
He said the government is also monitoring school dropouts and accused parents of failing to take responsibility for their children.
“School principals and head teachers should monitor students. We want to know where the dropouts go,” Mr Marwa added.
He also revealed that the gang leaders behind crimes in Majengo and Old Town are Mr Nasir Sogomo and Mr Luqman Khatib.
He named Mr Nurdin Khamisi and Mr Jamal Rashid as among the most wanted criminals. Mr Khamisi and Mr Rashid are suspected to joined Al Shabaab in Somalia.
“Khamisi and Rashid are dangerous, they transverse between Diani and Majengo. Who funds them? What are they planning?” said Mr Marwa.
