Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has initiated a comprehensive investigation following an attack on civil society members outside the Mombasa County Assembly. The victims had gathered to submit a petition to the county legislature.
Nuno has assembled a multi-agency team comprising officers from the Kenya Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Administration Police Service to uncover the circumstances of the assault. The team is tasked with identifying and prosecuting those responsible, including financiers and organizers of the violence.
While condemning the attack, Nuno emphasized that the absence of prior notification to authorities by the petitioners does not justify the use of force against unarmed civilians. He has also instructed the Mombasa County Police Command to facilitate a subsequent, peaceful attempt by civil society representatives, youth, and journalists to present their petition. Police will escort the group after coordinating with the County Assembly leadership to set an appropriate date and time.
The police chief called on the County Assembly to uphold citizens' constitutional rights to petition and participate in peaceful demonstrations as outlined under Article 37 of the Constitution. Concurrently, he urged civil society groups to comply with legal requirements for organizing demonstrations, including advance notification, and to conduct themselves peacefully without weapons or provocative actions.
The incident follows a confrontation where civil society members and youth were reportedly attacked outside the Assembly premises. The Mombasa County Assembly, through its Clerk, accused the group of disrupting Assembly operations by blocking access and engaging in confrontational behavior, allegedly accompanied by masked individuals. The Assembly reiterated its commitment to public participation and peaceful engagement but stressed that such activities must respect the law and the safety of others.
Security personnel and relevant agencies continue to monitor the Assembly premises to prevent insecurity, intimidation, and violence, ensuring a safe environment for members, staff, visitors, and the public.
