Police have arrested and disarmed a private firearm holder in Mombasa who was involved in the multiple shootings of protesters. In a statement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that the shooter, believed to be the owner of Qaffee Point Hotel, is now in 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 confronting a crowd of protesters heading towards his restaurant. The man, armed with a pistol, is seen pointing at the crowd and firing several rounds while being pelted with stones. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that two people were injured during the shooting and are receiving medical aid at a hospital in Mombasa.
“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.
