15 people arrested following Tuesday's chaotic Mombasa protests

Protests in Mombasa took a violent turn yesterday as suspected criminal gangs infiltrated demonstrations, wreaking havoc and terrorising residents.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmoud Noor condemned the violence and added that 15 people were arrested in connection with the chaos.

Commissioner Noor confirmed that CCTV footage and videos captured by the public will be used to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violent protests.

"We are also pursuing others who participate in the burning of cars and businesses, including Qaffee Point and other places within Mombasa," he said.

The resurgence of criminal gangs amid the protests has intensified the fear and uncertainty among Mombasa's residents. Many have voiced concerns about their safety and the potential for further violence in the coming days.

Authorities, while reacting to the concerns raised, urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as they work to restore order.

One resident, Ahmed Salim, expressed his fears, saying, "I am deeply worried for my family's safety. The gangs are turning what should be peaceful protests into a nightmare. We need more protection from the police."

Aisha Mwangi, who operates a small shop in the CBD area, shared her harrowing experience from that day.

"My shop was looted, and I felt helpless as I watched everything I have worked hard for being destroyed. This violence needs to stop."

Anti-Finance Bill protesters in Mombasa County on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Fatima Hassan, a mother of three, shared her concerns about the future. "We are scared to leave our homes. The children are traumatised by the sounds of violence. This is not the Mombasa we know."

Meanwhile, Paul Kazungu, a young protestor, urged for calm, saying "We were out there to peacefully demand our rights, but these gangs hijacked our cause. It is heartbreaking to see our city in this state. We need to unite against this violence."

The chaos began when peaceful protests, initially organised to demand better services and accountability from the government following Occupy Protests, were disrupted by gangs who used the opportunity to cause mayhem.

Several businesses were vandalised, and there were reports of looting in various parts of the city.

Human rights organisations, including HAKI Africa, condemned the violence. HAKI Africa's statement revealed that two individuals, including a human rights officer from Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) and a peaceful protestor, were injured during the unrest. Additionally, several shops and restaurants were vandalised and looted.

“We strongly condemn this unwarranted violence and criminal behaviour that targets citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. HAKI Africa calls upon the relevant authorities to take swift action to investigate this incident, apprehend those responsible, and ensure the safety and security of all protestors and business owners.”

The organisation extended its thoughts and prayers to the injured, wishing them a swift and full recovery. "HAKI Africa stands in solidarity with all those advocating for justice and human rights in Kenya," the statement stated.

As the situation remains tense, Mombasa's residents are calling for more robust security measures to protect them from further violence.

Community leaders and activists are urging for peaceful resolutions and constructive dialogue between protestors and the government to address the underlying issues that sparked the protests in the first place.

In the meantime, Commissioner Noor assured the public that the police would continue to patrol affected areas and work towards restoring peace and order. He encouraged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also assured the nation that suspected goons would be traced, arrested, and prosecuted. In response, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released 38 images of suspected goons who were caught on camera vandalising property and looting businesses across the country.

Police disperse anti-Finance Bill protesters in Mombasa on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)