Kilifi residents protest rising insecurity cases after shooting incident

Residents of Gongoni in Kilifi County have taken to the streets to protest against the increasing insecurity in their area following a shooting incident that left two people with serious injuries

The victims, an M-Pesa shop owner and a boda-boda rider were attacked by unknown assailants on Thursday night.

According to eyewitnesses, the M-Pesa shop owner had closed his shop and was heading home on a boda boda when the assailants struck, shooting both of them.

They also robbed the M-Pesa shop owner of a bag containing an undisclosed amount of money.

“The two victims narrowly escaped death but sustained serious injuries. They were initially taken to Kijanaheri Private Hospital for emergency care before being transferred to Malindi General Hospital due to the severity of their conditions,” said Kazungu Daniel, an eyewitness

Efforts to reach top security officials in Magarini for comments were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.

Residents of Gongoni in Kilifi County on Thursday, July 25, 2024, demanded more police deployment to curb rising insecurity. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Residents are now calling on the national government, through the Ministry of Interior, to immediately replace the police officers serving in the area, accusing them of failing to guarantee security and neglecting their duties, thereby endangering lives.

Ali Juma, a local shop owner, expressed the community's frustration, saying, “We live in constant fear. If the authorities don't take immediate action, we are all in danger.”

A boda boda rider, John Katana, echoed these concerns by highlighting the daily risks involved and urging the government to intervene before it’s too late.

Resident Fatuma Said further expressed her fears about safety, stating that walking home has become dangerous. She emphasised the urgent need for security, insisting that mere promises are insufficient.

Musa Omar, a local businessman, highlighted the economic impact of the insecurity, noting, “This insecurity is affecting our businesses and livelihoods. We can't continue like this.”

Residents of Gongoni in Kilifi County protest against rising insecurity cases in their area on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)