Mombasa: Police arrests 8 gang members for attacking woman, setting shop on fire

The suspects are believed to be part of a 30-machete welding gang that attacked a woman before setting her business premise on fire in the Tua Tugawe area of Kisauni.

Residents say the gang raided Alice Nkirote’s shop at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday leaving her nursing injuries on her head, ears and both hands. 

“Aliniambia niamke nimtolee pesa. Nikawauliza pesa gani? Wakasema pesa zenye niliuza huko dukani huku wakiendelea kunipiga…nikasema sijui mahali iko, waite mzee awatolee,” Alice lamented.

The gang demanded cash, went on to tie her hands before dousing her in petrol, and then set her business premise on fire.

"Nilipiga nduru pale walipotaka kuasha moto ndio mmoja akanipiga panga nyingine kwa kichwa. Vile aliona nduru itaita watu akawasha kiberiti kikaanguka huko kwa kiti," she added.

The gang escaped with 18 gas-filled cylinders, money, a television set and a radio.  

“Nguo, viatu zoite zilichomewa ndani, pesa zote za M-Pesa zilichomwa na duka yote vile ilikua ilichomeka..sasa mimi nimebaki vile nilivyo saa hii,” said Alice husband James Njilu.

Police arrested 8 suspects linked to the attack including a 17-year-old minor and recovered the stolen television set and radio. 

Mombasa leaders and residents are now calling for the arrest of parents of minors who have been arrested.

“Ni vijana tunawafahamu lakini huwezi kuwasema juu ukiwasema baadaye watkufuata wewe…tuko na wasi wasi sana,” Ngutiko Koome, a resident said.

An operation is underway to apprehend the gang members.