This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On Friday, November 15, 2019, police in Mombasa shot and killed a 15-year-old boy who had completed his KCPE exams the previous year.
The boy, Reagan Rashid, was allegedly part of a group terrorizing residents in the Mina Love area. However, his family and human rights groups have disputed this claim, saying he was not a criminal.
According to police, Rashid was shot in the chest after he advanced towards them with a machete, despite being ordered to surrender. Three other youths, including a Standard Seven pupil, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Human lobby groups in Mombasa have condemned the killings and called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority to investigate the cases. The incident brings the number of suspects fatally shot to two in less than 48 hours.
"Police have taken advantage of the public outcry over criminal gangs and are resorting to killing suspects instead of investigating and charging them in court," said Haki Africa Director Hussein Khalid in a statement.
