A group of youth advocates was violently confronted by suspected goons outside the Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while attempting to present a memorandum.
The advocates, led by VOCAL Africa, had gathered to mark International Youth Day and to push for the implementation of the Mombasa County Youth Policy.
VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid stated that instead of being received by the County Assembly Speaker, the group was met with hostility, resulting in several members being beaten and injured.
Among those hurt was VOCAL Africa’s communications officer, Omar Ahmed, who sustained a bleeding head wound. Videos from the scene show physical altercations, with some attackers wielding sticks and engaging in aggressive behavior near the assembly entrance.
VOCAL Africa has condemned the attack and called on the public to help identify the assailants. The organization plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for the assault.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the use of organized groups to disrupt civic activities in Kenya. In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed intensified police operations targeting criminal gangs and political goons, particularly in violence-prone areas.
