Mombasa, KENYA: A section of residents from Barsheba area in Kisauni Constituency Mombasa county have accused human rights group HAKI Africa over what they have termed as sympathizing with armed gangs in Kisauni.
The residents accuse the group of derailing efforts by police officers to curb insecurity in the area.
Speaking to Baraka FM on Thursday, some of the residents who sought anonymity have said that the group has been criticizing the police in every effort they make to restrain armed gangs in Kisauni.
“When innocent residents are killed by the armed gangs, we never see the group advocating for justice for the victims, but every time an armed criminal who even daringly attack the police is gunned down, the group comes out strongly criticizing the police officers.” Said a resident who sought anonymity over fears of being victimized by the gang members.
This comes a day after HAKI Africa officials came out on Wednesday criticizing the act where a suspected thug who according to the police has been terrorizing residents in the area was killed by the police.
Haki Africa official Mathias Shipeta said the organization has already written to the to the independent policing oversight authority IPOA, for action to be taken against the police officer who shot dead the suspected thug .
“They are hypocrites, how can you advocate for justice for gangs who kill, terrorize us and even attack police officers with crooked weapons? We are on the ground and we know exactly what happens. These gangs are extremely dangerous.’’ said Ali Hussein.
On Tuesday a suspected thug identified as Shee Hassan 25, was gunned down by police in Barsheba area Kisauni.
Area OCPD Sangura Musee said the suspect was among two others who tried to attack the police with crooked weapons.
“We recovered a knife from the deceased as two other suspects escaped but we are pursuing them with the help of residents. They are among armed gangs terrorizing residents in the area.’’ said Sangura .
Early last Month one police officer was injured by a suspected thug while taking patrolling in the area.
