MOMBASA, Kenya—A heated debate has erupted in Mombasa over Wednesday’s chaos at the County Assembly, with activists, human rights defenders, police and Assembly officials offering competing accounts of the confrontation that left several people injured.
The incident, which occurred as young people sought to present a memorandum demanding the adoption of a Mombasa County Youth Policy, has since evolved into a wider debate over the right to petition public institutions, police responsibility, the safety of journalists and activists, and the alleged use of young people to disrupt civic activities.
Several people were injured during the confrontation, including activists and a journalist covering the incident. A human rights defender affiliated with Vocal Africa was reportedly taken to Pandya Memorial Hospital for treatment, while Nation Media Group photojournalist Karim Rajan was allegedly assaulted as he documented events outside the Assembly premises.
The Mombasa Press Club through its Chairperson Omar Abdallah has condemned the reported attack on Rajan and called for a prompt and impartial investigation. The journalist is reported to have recorded the matter at Central Police Station under OB No. 37 of August 12, 2026, as an assault.
Human rights defenders have separately demanded the arrest of individuals they allege were captured on camera assaulting activists and journalists during the confrontation. Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid accused police officers present at the scene of failing to intervene against the alleged attackers.
He also said a female colleague, Salma Hemed of She Rises, was assaulted during the incident and sustained injuries.
The rights defenders said the incident raised wider concerns over the alleged mobilisation of young people to disrupt public gatherings and intimidate activists seeking to engage public institutions.
Defense
However, Mombasa County Assembly has presented a different account, accusing the group that arrived at its premises of disorderly and unlawful conduct.
In a statement, the Assembly said the group arrived accompanied by masked individuals, blocked access to the Assembly building and disrupted the normal flow of traffic and House business.
The Assembly said it respects the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and petition public institutions but maintained that such rights must be exercised within the law and established security procedures.
It said the group became confrontational after objecting to access arrangements for a limited number of people, leading to what it described as violence and disruption within the Assembly precincts.
The Assembly further maintained that its premises remain open to the public but are subject to security protocols, saying it would take lawful measures to protect Members, staff, visitors and members of the public.
Meanwhile, the Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, condemned the reported violence and announced a multi-agency investigation involving the Kenya Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Administration Police Service.
Nuno said the team would investigate the incident, identify those responsible and pursue their alleged financiers and mobilisers.
He also directed the Mombasa County Police Command to facilitate the return of the civil society members, youth and journalists to the Assembly so that they could present their petition in consultation with the Assembly leadership.
Protected area?
The police position has, however, triggered criticism from some civil society and governance voices, particularly over its reference to the Assembly premises as a “protected area” and its emphasis on notification requirements for public engagement.
Critics have questioned what the designation means and whether security considerations should prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to petition public institutions.
Senior journalist, lecturer and communication expert Ayub Mwangi criticised what he described as an attempt to shift attention towards notification, arguing that civil society plays a central role in holding public institutions accountable.
The confrontation has consequently developed into a wider debate over the right to peaceful assembly, access to public institutions, the safety of journalists and activists, and the role of young people in civic engagement.
The incident has also raised concerns among human rights organisations over the possible use of young people to disrupt public activities as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
The rights defenders have called on security agencies to identify those captured in footage allegedly assaulting activists and journalists and take appropriate legal action, while urging political leaders to discourage violence and respect citizens’ right to peaceful civic participation.
For the youth who went to the Assembly, the immediate issue remains their demand for a dedicated Mombasa County Youth Policy, which they say is necessary to provide a framework for addressing issues affecting the county’s young population.
