Suspected Goons Attack Youth Advocates During Mombasa County Assembly Visit

Suspected Goons Attack Youth Advocates During Mombasa County Assembly Visit

A group of youth advocates was reportedly attacked and dispersed by suspected goons while presenting a memorandum at the Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday, August 12, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of human rights defenders and civic groups.

The advocates had visited the assembly as Kenya marked International Youth Day. They were seeking to push for the implementation of the Mombasa County Youth Policy, according to VOCAL Africa.

VOCAL Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid said the delegation expected to present its memorandum to the Speaker of the Mombasa County Assembly but was instead confronted by a group of men.

“As we were marking the International Day of Youth in Mombasa today, VOCAL Africa and partners went to present a memorandum to the Speaker of the County Assembly of Mombasa, and instead of being received, they were met with goons who beat up and injured several of the human rights defenders.”

The organisation said the confrontation occurred during the delegation’s engagement at the assembly, with several members reportedly assaulted.

Images from the scene showed VOCAL Africa Communications Officer Omar Ahmed with an injury to his head. He was seen bleeding following the reported attack.

A video reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke also showed a confrontation outside the county assembly. Several individuals appeared to push and punch members of the advocacy group as the situation escalated near the entrance.

Another video showed several men carrying what appeared to be long sticks as the gathering was disrupted.

The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the identities and motives of those involved, had not been independently established at the time of reporting.

VOCAL Africa Calls for Action

VOCAL Africa condemned the reported attack and called for the individuals captured in the videos to be identified.

The organisation urged members of the public who may have information about the incident to assist authorities in identifying those involved.

It also said it would pursue available legal avenues over the alleged assault and seek accountability for injuries sustained during the confrontation.

The incident has renewed debate over the safety of young people and human rights defenders participating in civic activities.

It also comes amid wider concerns about the alleged use of organised groups to disrupt political and public engagements in parts of Kenya.

Government Warns Against Political Gangs

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said in July that the government would intensify operations against criminal gangs and political goons.

Murkomen said he had instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to strengthen operations targeting groups associated with violence, particularly in areas identified as security hotspots.

The government has previously faced pressure to address incidents involving suspected political groups accused of disrupting public meetings, demonstrations and other civic activities.

The Mombasa incident comes at a time when youth participation in governance and public affairs remains a major issue in Kenya.

International Youth Day, marked annually on August 12, provides an opportunity to highlight the role of young people in shaping policies and demanding accountability from public institutions.

For the Mombasa advocates, the reported assault has shifted attention from their memorandum to concerns about their safety.

The group was seeking action on the county’s youth policy, but the confrontation has now prompted calls for an investigation into what happened at the assembly.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any offences were committed.

As calls for accountability grow, the incident has once again placed focus on the need to protect peaceful civic participation and ensure that young Kenyans can engage public institutions without fear of violence or intimidation.

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Suspected Goons Attack Youth Advocates During Mombasa County Assembly Visit