Activists Injured Changamwe Public Forum

A section of human rights activists were on Monday reportedly roughed up by members of the public during a tense forum on frequent fire incidents in Changamwe Sub-county, Mombasa County.

The activists, including Vocal Africa Coast coordinator Walid Sketty, Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma, and She Rises executive director Salma Hemed, had attended the meeting to engage residents and leaders on concerns over recent fire outbreaks and emergency response.

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By the time of publication, there had been no official statement from security agencies or the leaders present at the forum regarding the incident.

The public forum was organised by the office of Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi, who was present and presiding alongside Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki.

According to accounts from those present, the situation became tense when Sketty, who had been given the microphone, criticised political leadership over what he described as gaps in service delivery under devolution.

His remarks prompted an interruption from the presiding leadership, with Mwinyi asking him to sit down.

Witnesses say the exchange heightened emotions within the crowd, and moments later, some attendees confronted Sketty, leading to a brief scuffle.

Auma, who attempted to intervene and calm the situation, was also caught up in the altercation. Both sustained minor injuries, including soft tissue bruises, according to statements from their organisations.

Hemed moved to a safer position during the confrontation and later appealed for calm, urging respect for differing views during public forums.

The activists linked the tensions to broader frustrations among residents following a fire that gutted three houses in Mwagosi area of Airport Ward on Sunday evening.

Speaking after the incident, Auma said the fire could have caused more damage were it not for the quick response by Kenya Ports Authority firefighters, who he said were first on the scene.

He added that the Kenya Airports Authority fire team later joined efforts to contain the blaze.

Residents who spoke separately expressed concern over what they described as delayed response by county fire services.

They called for improved emergency preparedness, especially given the area’s proximity to key installations, including the Kenya Petroleum Refinery.

Local residents, among them Simon Ochola and Mbwana, urged authorities to strengthen fire response systems to prevent future losses.

Auma emphasised the need for leaders to remain open to criticism, noting that public feedback is essential in improving service delivery.

“This was not a good experience,” he said, adding that public forums should remain spaces for constructive engagement.

Hemed also called on leaders to exercise restraint and allow space for differing opinions, stressing the importance of upholding freedom of expression.

In a statement, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid condemned the incident and called for investigations into the disruption and those involved.

He said the organisation was in Changamwe to support affected families and advocate for improved accountability in emergency response.