Residents, rights group condemn alleged excessive force after three shot in Mombasa

Human rights organisation VOCAL Africa and a section of Mombasa County residents have condemned the alleged use of excessive force after three people sustained gunshot wounds during a sensitisation meeting in Changamwe.

Police have launched investigations into the incident, which occurred during a public engagement addressed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir at Bomu Stadium. The meeting was held to sensitise residents on the newly unveiled Stawisha Fund by the county government.

The injured were initially rushed to Mikindani Hospital before being transferred to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Jerono confirmed that three people were shot, while several others were injured and three vehicles damaged during the fracas.

Jerono said the situation escalated after a group of youths began chanting “one‑term” slogans as the governor addressed the gathering.

“They chanted the one‑term governor, and as the Governor wanted to address them, they became violent, and that is where the fracas started,” Jerono said.

She said police had launched investigations to establish those who disrupted the meeting as well as those who fired the shots.

“We want to dig deep into the matter, and know exactly who these persons are, because we will trace them and get them, and what is their motive for doing that,” Jerono said.

The police commander also directed officers assigned to protect politicians to strictly follow the law and exercise restraint while handling members of the public.

However, an eyewitness, Said Kombo, said the youths were peaceful and had wanted an opportunity to engage the governor.

Kombo alleged that security officers blocked and shoved the youths as they attempted to approach Governor Abdulswamad, claiming that one bodyguard drew a firearm.

VOCAL Africa said it rushed one of the injured civilians to Mikindani Hospital after he was allegedly shot by a bodyguard attached to the governor.

The organisation condemned what it described as excessive use of force against unarmed youth and said it was following up on the case to demand full accountability and justice for the victim.

Family members of the injured have also criticised the alleged use of excessive force and called for investigations into the incident.

Police have assured the public that those found culpable will be arrested and charged.