Police in Mombasa are investigating why armed attackers targeted a county revenue collection point in Likoni, killing an inspectorate officer and escaping with a government rifle.

Omar Rashid Mzerera, who was in his mid-thirties, was shot dead during the attack at about 3.40 am on Monday. The attackers, described by witnesses as a group of machete-wielding men, also injured officers who were guarding the facility.

The raid has raised questions among county and security officials because the attackers reportedly left computers, mobile phones and personal wallets untouched. The only item reported stolen was an AK-47 rifle.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the facility relied on digital payments and did not routinely handle cash, making the decision to take the firearm particularly concerning.

“We are asking the police to get to the bottom of it because nothing was stolen,” Nassir said. He added that computers, mobile phones and personal wallets had been left behind.

“The only thing that was taken was a firearm. However, that is not for me to say,” he said, cautioning against drawing conclusions before investigators establish what happened.

Officers overpowered during attack

According to a police report from Inuka Police Station, two Administration Police officers were on duty alongside county inspectorate staff when the gang stormed the collection point.

The officers reportedly fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the attackers but were overwhelmed.

The report said the attackers seized an AK-47 rifle from an officer identified as APC Wilfred Amin. He sustained deep cuts to his hand and a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

Mzerera was shot in the back, with the bullet exiting through his chest, according to the report.

Another county inspectorate officer, Ali Kibuyi, suffered deep cuts to his head and right thigh. Bahiya Hassan escaped without injury.

The injured officers were initially taken to Diani Beach Hospital before being transferred to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for further treatment. Nassir later said they were in stable condition.

The governor pledged support for the injured officers and Mzerera’s family, including assistance with medical care and arrangements following his death.

Investigators seek CCTV footage

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur said investigators were following leads and working to recover the missing rifle.

The CCTV camera installed at the container used as the collection point's office was not working, he said. Police were seeking footage from nearby premises that might help establish how the attackers arrived and escaped.

Nur urged residents to share information that could assist the investigation. He noted that accounts of the gang's size varied, with some reports suggesting about 20 attackers and others estimating as many as 40.

He said the stolen firearm remained a key concern and promised that security agencies would pursue those responsible.

“A government rifle cannot go that way,” Nur said. “And we value human life and it will not go in vain.”

The commissioner described the incident as isolated and sought to reassure residents and visitors that Mombasa remained safe.

Leaders call for stronger security

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko called for a thorough investigation and stronger security measures. She questioned why the attackers would take a rifle from a facility where payments were made electronically but leave other property behind.

Mboko also said the killing had brought back concerns about past security incidents in Likoni. With the 2027 General Election approaching, she urged authorities to address insecurity before it affected residents and planned development projects, including the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and the Mombasa Gateway Bridge.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi raised concerns about street lighting near the collection point, saying she had previously questioned conditions in the area.

Human rights activist Francis Auma called for stronger intelligence gathering ahead of the election period. He also warned against using the attack to unfairly stigmatise residents.

Police have yet to establish publicly why the attackers targeted the checkpoint. The recovery of the rifle and the identification of those involved remain central to the investigation.

Mzerera is expected to be buried in Mbungoni, in Nyali Sub-County, in accordance with Islamic rites.