Police Order Probe Into Attack Of Activists Outside Mombasa County Assembly

By Halima Charo

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Coast regional police commander Ali Nuno has ordered an immediate investigation into an attack on activists and journalists outside the Mombasa County Assembly.

The activists had gone to the assembly to present their grievances when they were reportedly confronted and attacked by rowdy individuals.

Nuno condemned the violence saying failure by organisers to notify authorities in advance could not justify attacks on unarmed citizens.

“Failure to notify the authorities does not give anyone the right to attack unarmed citizens. Such actions are unacceptable and pose a threat to democracy,” he said.

According to him a joint team comprising officers from different police units and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been formed to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

He said the investigators would also seek to establish whether the attackers were organised, financed or facilitated by other individuals, with those found culpable expected to face prosecution.

Police committed to providing security for the activists, youth representatives, and journalists when they return to the County Assembly to formally present their grievances on a date and time to be agreed upon.

The regional boss also called on the assembly leadership to respect constitutional rights and ensure citizens are able to present petitions and grievances peacefully.

At the same time, he urged organisers of demonstrations and public gatherings to notify authorities in good time and ensure such activities remain peaceful and participants are unarmed.

The investigation is expected to focus on both the immediate perpetrators of the violence and any individuals who may have organised or facilitated the attack.