Terror suspect shot by police dies in hospital

A man suspected of the grenade attack on police at Mwembe Tayari in Mombasa a few weeks ago has died.

The suspect died last Thursday at the Kilifi County Hospital following injuries he sustained after he was shot by police near Jumba ruins in Mtwapa last Wednesday.

Kilifi OCPD Justine Nyaga said detectives acting on a tip-off followed the man from Kisauni and after Mtwapa town, he diverted to Jumba ruins. Police cornered him at a thicket but before they could arrest him, he took out a grenade to hurl at them.

Mr Nyaga said the police acted fast and shot him before he could blow them up.

“Aware that he was about to be arrested, the suspect tried to throw a hand grenade at the officers but he was shot twice in the head and in the ribs. There after, he was apprehended by our officers and given First Aid.”

After interrogation, he said, the suspect led police to a house near Mtwapa Primary School where police found another hand grenade, a motorcycle that they believe the man used to flee from the Mwembe Tayari attack scene, a First Aid kit and an ID card belonging to a man from Kwale. Two mobile phones police suspect were being used by the terrorist were also found.

Succumb to injuries
Mr Nyaga said the officers then took the suspect to hospital for treatment but he succumbed to the injuries.

“He died as he was being treated at the Kilifi County Hospital,” added Nyaga. However, police did not reveal the name of the suspect and details about how they accosted him.

Criminal investigation officer Prosper Bosire speaking at his office in Kilifi town said the details could not be revealed due to sensitivity of the case.