Police have arrested and disarmed a private firearm holder in Mombasa following a chaotic altercation in which he allegedly shot and injured protesters.
The incident occurred at around 1:30 pm in the Ganjoni area, where the business owner of Qaffee Point Hotel clashed with a group of demonstrators.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest of the shooter, believed to be the hotel’s proprietor.
“Following today’s unfortunate shooting at Ganjoni area by a civilian firearm holder, the alleged owner of Qaffee Point Hotel has been arrested, disarmed, and is currently in our custody,” the statement read.
Videos circulating on social media platform X captured the dramatic scenes, showing the armed business owner confronting the crowd. He is seen wielding a pistol and firing several shots in the direction of the protesters, who retaliated by pelting him with stones.
The DCI disclosed that two individuals sustained injuries during the fracas and are receiving medical treatment.
“We extend our gratitude to the members of the public who swiftly helped the injured to hospital and urge Mombasa residents to remain calm as legal proceedings are underway,” the DCI added.
The situation escalated as the protesters regrouped and launched another assault, hurling stones at the business owner. The absence of police during the critical moments was evident, and eventually, a group of men managed to escort the shooter away from the enraged crowd.
Following the shooter’s departure, the protesters turned their ire towards the Qaffee Point Hotel. They vandalized the premises, set ablaze several cars parked nearby, and eventually forced their way inside, looting items from the establishment before law enforcement arrived to restore order.
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