One county enforcement officer is dead and two others are nursing injuries after armed men attacked a cess collection checkpoint along Barabara ya Mchanga in Likoni, Mombasa County. The attack happened in the early hours of Monday, after police officers on patrol heard gunshots coming from the area.
According to a police report, the checkpoint was manned by police officers George Odera and Wilfred Amin, together with officers from the Mombasa County Enforcement Team. They were attacked by a group of assailants of unknown number, who were armed with crude weapons. The officers fired several rounds into the air in an attempt to scare off the attackers, but they were overwhelmed during the fight.
Among the injured is APC Wilfred Amin, who suffered deep cuts to his hand and a gunshot wound to his left thigh. The report does not give the condition of the second injured person, but says two people were hurt in total.
The attack also ended with a loss of life. County enforcement officer Omari Mzerera was shot in the back, and the bullet came out through his chest. A doctor later pronounced him dead. His death has left his colleagues and family in mourning, and many residents of Likoni know him as a man who worked hard to keep order at the busy checkpoint.
The attackers did not leave empty-handed. They escaped with an AK-47 rifle that was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, which is a serious worry for police and for the people living in the area. Officers have not yet said how many suspects were involved or whether anyone has been arrested.
Residents of Likoni have long complained about tension around cess collection points, and incidents like this one raise questions about how well officers are protected when they work in such places. Security experts often say that officers at roadblocks need better backup, proper equipment and quick response teams, especially in areas where crime is common.
Police are expected to launch a manhunt for the attackers and recover the stolen rifle. Anyone with information that could help the investigation is encouraged to contact the nearest police station.
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