MOMBASA, Kenya — Human rights activists have demanded the arrest and prosecution of people accused of attacking them and a journalist at the Mombasa County Assembly, where they had gone to submit a petition.
The activists said one of their colleagues was injured during the incident on Wednesday after allegedly being assaulted while taking photographs and recording events at the assembly.
Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said the official was receiving medical attention and was undergoing a head scan after sustaining injuries.
Hussein condemned the alleged attacks, including the assault on a journalist, and called for swift action against those responsible.
“We condemn the incidents that happened on Wednesday, including the assault on journalists. Sadly, a journalist was also attacked and injured,” Hussein said.
He described the incident as a worrying indication of the growing use of violence and alleged goonism during public activities in Mombasa.
Activists submit evidence to police
Hussein said the activists had engaged senior security officials in Mombasa, including Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, who assured them that investigations were underway and that those responsible would be arrested.
The activists also collected photographs of some of the people they identified as alleged attackers and handed them to security agencies to assist investigations.
“We have done our part by looking for photographs of these people. We have obtained them and forwarded them to the security agencies so that they can be arrested as soon as possible,” Hussein said.
He warned that failure to hold those involved accountable could encourage similar attacks in future.
“If we allow this issue to continue and fail to take action now, the days ahead could be very dark. These people must be held accountable and arrested. Young people should also stop allowing themselves to be used,” he said.
The activists also questioned the conduct of police officers who were present at the County Assembly when the alleged violence occurred.
Hussein said officers told them they had been called by the County Assembly to provide security but allegedly failed to intervene as people were attacked.
“The police officers who arrived there said they had been called by the County Assembly to ensure security, but they did nothing. They were simply standing there while people were being beaten,” he said.
He argued that police officers should not remain passive when violence occurs in their presence.
“It is not possible for police officers to be at a scene of violence and still do nothing.”
Groups raise concern over alleged goonism
Muhuri Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma also criticised what he described as the increasing involvement of goons in public demonstrations and civic activities.
Auma said the problem, previously reported in other parts of the country, was now becoming a concern in Mombasa.
“We are deeply concerned about the issue of goonism. It was seen in Nairobi, Kisumu and Nyeri, but now we are also seeing it in Mombasa,” Auma said.
He said several members of the public were attacked and injured in the presence of police officers, with some requiring medical treatment.
She Rises Executive Director Salma Hemed, who said she was among those attacked, alleged that politicians were involved in the incident.
“It was clear that there were politicians involved in what happened yesterday. I am one of those who were beaten,” Salma said.
She also questioned the response of police officers at the scene, alleging that they watched as demonstrators were assaulted without taking action.
Activists vow to return with petition
Despite the incident, the activists said they would return to the County Assembly to submit their petition.
Haki Africa Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta said the groups would not be deterred from exercising their constitutional right to petition public institutions.
“We will still return to the County Assembly to submit the petition. It is very sad to see a woman being beaten in a public office. This is uncalled for, and we want the police to take action,” Shipeta said.
The groups are now calling on security agencies to complete investigations, identify those involved and make arrests.
They are also seeking accountability over the conduct of officers who were present during the incident, saying security agencies have a responsibility to protect citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
