Police in Mombasa have launched investigations into recent mob attacks linked to claims of genital theft, with authorities dismissing the allegations as a criminal scheme used to facilitate robbery.

County Commissioner Mohammed Nur said investigations had established that the claims were false and were being used by conmen to incite crowds against innocent members of the public.

According to Nur, one suspect arrested in Likoni and subjected to medical examination was found to be physically unharmed, disproving the allegations.

"There is no person with such powers. These are mere rumours being abused, especially on TikTok. It is a story invented by conmen who want to rob people," he said.

Security agencies are now analysing CCTV footage obtained from Kongowea and Marikiti markets where one victim was recently attacked by a mob.

"We have video footage and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is reviewing it. Everyone who participated in assaulting an innocent person will be held accountable because nobody has the right to administer justice on their own," said Nur.

He explained that the criminals' tactic involves accusing victims of causing the disappearance of their private parts, prompting members of the public to attack them while accomplices steal valuables and escape.

Authorities said three suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incidents, including individuals in Likoni, Nyali and Mombasa town.

County Police Commander Stella Cherono appealed to residents to report such incidents to police instead of resorting to violence.

"People should be vigilant and avoid hurting others because of lies. Report to the police and allow investigations to establish the truth," she said.

Cherono warned that innocent people could lose their lives if residents act on unverified claims.

The security team also issued a warning to social media users spreading the allegations for online engagement, saying misinformation that leads to violence would not be tolerated.

On the planned June 25 protests, Nur said police had not received the mandatory notice required under the Public Order Act.

"We have not received any notification as required by law to enable us to plan security and prevent criminals from infiltrating such gatherings," he said.

He added that any demonstrations conducted without the required notification would be considered unlawful.