Police have launched investigations into the shooting of three youths during a sensitisation meeting addressed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir at Bomu Stadium in Changamwe Sub-County.
The youths were allegedly shot by members of the Governor’s security detail after the meeting turned chaotic when a group of young people began chanting “one-term” slogan. The injured youths were initially rushed to Mikindani Hospital before being transferred to Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Mombasa Police Commander Stella Jerono confirmed the incident, saying the fracas erupted during a public sensitisation meeting on the newly unveiled Stawisha Fund by the county government.
Jerono said three people were shot, several others injured and three motor vehicles damaged after a group of youths disrupted the meeting while Governor Nassir was addressing 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 and would leave no stone unturned in identifying 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,” she said, adding that a few individuals should not be allowed to tarnish Mombasa’s image.
The County Police Commander assured the public that those found culpable would be arrested and charged. She also directed police officers assigned to protect politicians to strictly follow the law and exercise restraint while handling members of the public.
However, an eyewitness Said Kombo gave a different account of the incident, claiming that the youths were peaceful and only wanted an opportunity to speak to the Governor.
Kombo alleged that security officers blocked and shoved the youths as they attempted to approach Governor Nassir. He said one of his colleagues was pushed by a bodyguard who allegedly drew a firearm.
“My colleague was in front and wanted to talk with the Governor while he was being pushed by the bodyguard who withdrew a gun. I saw him and prevented him; the bullet would have hit him on the chest had I not pulled him away,” he said.
Kombo further claimed that the officer subsequently aimed at the young man’s legs, questioning why live ammunition was used against members of the public who wanted to engage their elected leader.
Meanwhile, Gladys Ochola, the mother of 24-year-old Sammy Owino, who sustained three gunshot wounds to his legs, criticized the alleged use of excessive force by the Governor’s security detail.
Ochola, who said she had been involved in politics for many years and had worked with former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for a decade, said she was deeply disturbed by the incident.
“I have done politics for many years. I am a well-known politician. I have worked with Governor Joho for ten years. He used to be insulted when he came, but at the end of the day no one is shot, and life goes on. But I am perturbed by today’s incident,” she said as she broke down in tears.
Vocal Africa Rapid Response Officer Walid Sketty also condemned the incident, warning that political intolerance was increasingly taking root in Mombasa.
Sketty urged the Inspector General of Police to closely monitor such incidents and ensure that security officers protecting political leaders exercise professionalism and restraint.
“If you’re a bodyguard with a firearm to protect a leader and you’re shooting the public, then you don’t deserve to be a bodyguard; you’re a body shooter,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
