Police have arrested and disarmed a private firearm holder in Mombasa who was involved in the multiple shootings of protesters in Mombasa.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said that the shooter who is believed to be the business owner of Qaffee Point Hotel was in their custody.
“Following today’s 1.30 pm unfortunate shooting at Ganjoni area of Mombasa by a civilian firearm holder and the alleged owner of Qaffee Point Hotel that left some persons injured, the said shooter has since been arrested, disarmed and placed in custody,” the DCI noted.
Videos on X showed the armed business owner battling a crowd of protesters heading in the direction of his restaurant.
The man, armed with a pistol, is seen pointing in the direction of the crowd and firing several rounds against a barrage of stones pelted towards him.
DCI revealed that two people were injured during the shooting and that they were receiving medical aid.
“The DCI thanks members of the public who acted fast to assist the injured to hospital, and at the same time appeals to Mombasa people to be calm on this case as necessary legal action is being taken,” DCI added.
The crowd of protesters can be seen retreating and regrouping before returning with a hail of stones in the direction of the business owner.
Police officers could not be seen during the altercation and at some point, a group of men can be seen whisking the firearm holder away even as the protesters charge towards them.
The irate protesters vandalized the hotel after the owner’s departure and set ablaze cars parked at the establishment.
A section of the protesting youth gained access to the Hotel and looted items before police officers arrived in the area to restore calm.
Tuesday protests
The anti-government protests took off in major towns in the country even as President William Ruto and the clergy called for calm and dialogue.
In Nairobi, businesses remained closed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, even as a heavy security presence was seen on major roads and avenues in the city.
Several streets including Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya, Lithuli Avenue and Kenneth Matiba Avenue recorded reduced activity as shops closed.
The protesters had organised to sit along major roads leading to and from the City in honour of at least 39 victims who died in the demonstrations.
Data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights show a total of 39 people have been killed in anti-government demonstrations and 361 others were injured from the protests which commenced on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, to Monday, July 1, 2024.