Mombasa Governor's Bodyguard Accused of Firing Weapon, Injuring One During Public Gathering
The incident, which saw youths clash with security personnel at a Changamwe event, sparks widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
A public engagement in Changamwe, Mombasa, on Friday, August 21, turned violent when a bodyguard reportedly attached to Governor Ahmednassir Nassir allegedly opened fire amidst a confrontation with youths, leaving one individual with a gunshot injury. Two other people also sustained wounds during the fracas and were subsequently transported to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The altercation erupted as Governor Nassir attempted to address residents, with a group of youths disrupting his speech by chanting 'Wantam' slogans. Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono confirmed that the situation escalated rapidly when, according to her statement, the individuals became violent, necessitating a swift response from the Governor's security detail. Cherono quoted, "They chanted 'Wantam,' and as the Governor wanted to address them, they became violent. That is where the fracas started."
An eyewitness account offers further details, claiming that the bodyguard drew his weapon, but intervention from bystanders prevented a potentially fatal outcome. "The bodyguard drew his weapon, but I tried to tell him to let the youth be. The bullet was to hit the victim on his upper body, but hit him on his leg after the people confronted him," the witness recounted. This account underscores concerns about the use of lethal force in crowd control.
The incident has triggered significant outrage among Mombasa County residents, who have strongly condemned the alleged use of excessive force against civilians, particularly by bodyguards of public officials. Many argued that political engagements and public gatherings should never lead to bloodshed, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and de-escalation tactics. For Kenyan readers, this incident highlights ongoing concerns about VIP security conduct and the right to peaceful assembly.
In response to the events, residents have called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. They have also urged Mombasa County police to diligently secure all evidence and ensure the protection of eyewitnesses. Furthermore, the victims of the shooting and injuries have demanded that the Mombasa County Government assume responsibility for their medical expenses.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar, more tragic event just a month prior in Nairobi, where Rashid Charo, a bodyguard for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, was accused of fatally shooting youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma. Charo was arrested and charged in court, where he pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense before being released on a Ksh20,000 cash bond. These recurring incidents raise serious questions about the training, conduct, and accountability of VIP security personnel across Kenya and across East Africa, where such challenges sometimes manifest.
While confirming that investigations are underway, Police Commander Cherono reiterated the National Police Service's (NPS) stance against all acts of violence, assuring the public that law enforcement officers are actively pursuing the case.
The Horizon Wire will continue to monitor developments in this case. (Attribution: Nairobi Leo)