Three Shot, Several Injured in Clash Between Mombasa Governor’s Guards and Youths
Three youths were shot and scores injured during a confrontation with Mombasa Governor’s security at a youth meeting in Changamwe, police confirm.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
At a youth sensitisation event held at Bomu Stadium in Changamwe, Mombasa County, tensions escalated resulting in three people being shot and many others injured, police confirmed on August 21, 2026.
The incident took place as Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir addressed the gathering. Police indicated the violence erupted following a dispute between the governor’s bodyguards and some youths who were chanting slogans calling for a "one-term" limit for the governor.
Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono explained that the youths became aggressive during the governor’s speech, prompting intervention by his security detail. She stated, "They chanted one term at the governor. As the governor tried to address them, they became violent. That is where the fracas started."
According to Cherono, an unidentified group approached the governor during the event, after which three individuals were shot. The wounded were initially treated at Mikindani Clinic and later transferred to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for further care.
A witness, Said Kimbo, recounted that the youths attempted to get closer to Governor Nassir but were pushed back by his guards. He described how one guard drew a firearm and fired, injuring one youth in the leg. Kimbo intervened to protect his colleague from a potentially fatal shot.
"The bodyguard would have shot him in the chest if I had not pulled my colleague down," Kimbo said. He also noted that one of the youths fired back, hitting the guard in the leg.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have vowed to hold those responsible accountable, with Cherono emphasizing that many involved are police officers who must adhere to the law.
This violent episode in Mombasa follows recent political unrest in Homa Bay, where a rally turned deadly, highlighting ongoing tensions in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
As of this report, Governor Nassir has not publicly commented on the incident.
