Police are hunting attackers who killed Mombasa County officer Omari Mzerera, injured three others and stole an AK-47 with 30 rounds.
A Likoni checkpoint attack left one Mombasa County enforcement officer dead and three other officers injured early Monday. The attackers escaped with a police AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
The attack happened at about 3:40am at Barabara ya Mchanga, where officers were staffing a cess collection point. County enforcement personnel and two Administration Police officers were on duty at the checkpoint.
Police identified the officer who died as Omari Mzerera. Meanwhile, Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono said investigators were working to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible.
How the Likoni checkpoint attack unfolded
Witnesses said the attackers confronted officers at the collection point before a struggle broke out. Police officers reportedly fired several shots into the air to disperse the group, but the assailants overpowered them.
During the confrontation, the attackers allegedly seized the loaded rifle from an Administration Police officer. They then used the weapon to shoot the victims before fleeing.
The police officer suffered deep cuts to his hand and a gunshot wound to his left thigh. A county enforcement officer also sustained deep cuts to his head and right thigh.
Mzerera suffered a gunshot wound to his back, with the bullet exiting through his chest. He later died from his injuries, while another county enforcement officer escaped the attack unharmed.
Officers receive treatment as police pursue suspects
The three injured officers went to Diani Beach Hospital for treatment. They included one Administration Police officer and two county enforcement officers.
After a doctor confirmed Mzerera’s death, his body went to the Coast General mortuary. Meanwhile, police visited the checkpoint, where crime scene investigators documented evidence.
Cherono said police had not established the number of attackers, although initial estimates suggested about five people. Investigators were also seeking to determine what led to the confrontation.
Police are pursuing the suspects and seeking to recover the stolen firearm and ammunition. However, no arrests had been reported by publication time.
Cherono appealed to anyone with information that could identify the attackers to contact police. The motive remained unclear, and police had not confirmed any connection to terrorism.
