A group of over 50 youths armed with machetes attacked cruise passengers visiting Mombasa, Kenya, robbing them of money, jewelry, and valuables. The violent incident has raised serious security concerns, leading to the cancellation of planned shore excursions.

The attack took place at the popular tourist site Pembe za Ndovu on Moi Avenue, shortly after passengers from the cruise liner MV Crystal Symphony disembarked. Officers from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the Crystal Symphony to apologize and reassure passengers of their safety.

“No tourist was injured, but many were shaken by the incident and opted to cancel planned visits to Old Town, returning to the ship instead,” a KTB official, speaking on condition of anonymity told the local media.

Authorities in Mombasa and neighboring Kwale County are grappling with a surge in violent crime, much of it attributed to machete-wielding gangs terrorizing both locals and visitors. Over the weekend, at least 200 suspects were arrested as security forces intensified operations to curb gang-related violence.

MV Crystal Symphony carrying 1,169 passengers and crew arrived in Mombasa on March 31 and stayed overnight, after departing for Zanzibar the following day.

This security breach comes as Mombasa concludes its current cruise season, which ends in April. With the next season set to begin in September, concerns are growing that cruise lines may reconsider scheduled stops at the Port of Mombasa if security measures are not significantly reinforced.

Cruise operators prioritize passenger and crew safety, and incidents like this can influence future itinerary decisions. The attack has put pressure on Kenyan authorities to demonstrate their ability to ensure the safety of international tourists.