Learning in Likoni disrupted as youths attack residents

Schools in Likoni, Mombasa were on Monday evening forced to end learning prematurely after suspected notorious criminals went on the rampage, attacking residents as they returned from the burial of a gangster who was killed by police earlier.

At least four schools including Dar-ul-Ulum Girls, Peleleza Primary, Puma Primary and Puma Secondary closed early after the chaos erupted.

A teacher from one of the schools who sought to remain anonymous confirmed the institution he works in ended closed early for the day.

MACHETE ATTACKS

The machete wielding youths started attacking people in Migombani, Bomani, Nuru, Bahari, Bofu Kiwerera and Mtaa wa Makka after burying 25-year-old Aballah Swaleh alias Vumbi at Migombani Cemetery.

Several people were attacked and seriously injured during the melee and were rushed to different hospitals in Likoni for treatment.

Some of the victims seen by the Nation had deep cuts on the heads, hands and legs.

Traders were also forced to shut down as the attackers robbed people, according to multiple witnesses.

M-Pesa agents and vegetable vendors also closed their businesses to avoid being caught up in the chaotic scenes.

ARRESTS

Police officers were deployed to the affected areas to calm the situation which lasted for several minutes.

The police operation led to the arrest of four suspected criminals who were part of the gang terrorising residents.

"The four are in our custody. The operation is still on. We have calmed the situation already," said Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Benjamin Rotich.

Earlier on before the chaos erupted, General Service Unit officers had been deployed to patrol the area after reports emerged of the impending burial of the felled gangster.

SHOT DEAD

The gangster, famously known as Vumbi, was shot dead by police on Sunday at around 3pm.

Residents had alerted the police after the gangster, who had been on police radar, was seen within Mtaa wa Maka in Ushindi where he was gunned down.

His family said he was shot three times – on the chest, chin and hand.

Police said the suspect was in the company of five others who managed to escape and are being pursued.

Reports from police indicate that the suspected criminals terrorising residents are among 15 former inmates who were recently released from Shimo La Tewa Maximum Prison after completing their jail terms.