Demo over extrajudicial killings in Mombasa postponed

Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, who said a coalition of human rights groups had postponed protests planned for Friday over extrajudicial killings in Mombasa. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said organisers are consulting with other organisers to set another date for the protest.
  • They castigated the killings of young people in Mombasa, in particular the death of a 16-year-old boy in Kisauni who was allegedly shot by police two weeks ago.

Human Rights groups and politicians in Mombasa have postponed demonstrations planned for Friday over extrajudicial killings by police.

In a letter sent to security officials, the organisers, led by Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, said the protests were rescheduled on the advice of police.

Mr Khalid said the groups were cautioned by police that they would not be accorded security as officers are busy during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to the coast and the Mombasa International Agricultural Show.

President Kenyatta is in Mombasa and is expected to tour other counties in the region accompanied by his Deputy William Ruto starting with Tana River and Kilifi on Friday.

Mr Khalid said the police were not against the protests.

He said organisers are consulting with other organisers to set another date for the protest.

A coalition of 20 human rights groups and politicians had announced on Tuesday that they would hold the peaceful demonstrations.

They castigated the killings of young people in Mombasa, in particular the death of a 16-year-old boy in Kisauni who was allegedly shot by police two weeks ago.

According to the activists, at least 71 people have been killed or disappeared in unclear circumstances in the region.