The attackers stole an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition from an Administration Police officer before using the weapon to shoot the officers.

Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono said investigations had been launched to establish the identities of the attackers and their motive.

A Mombasa County enforcement officer was killed and three other officers injured after a gang of armed men attacked a cess collection checkpoint in Likoni, Mombasa, early Monday morning.

The incident occurred at about 3.40 am along Barabara ya Mchanga, where county enforcement officers and two Administration Police officers were manning the checkpoint.

“One of our officers was injured, and a county enforcement officer was also attacked. Unfortunately, we lost one,” Cherono said.

She confirmed that three officers were receiving treatment in hospital following the attack. The injured comprised one police officer and two county enforcement officers.

Witnesses said the assailants confronted the officers at the cess collection point before a violent struggle broke out.

Police officers reportedly fired several rounds into the air in an attempt to disperse the attackers but were overwhelmed during the confrontation.

An Administration Police officer sustained deep cuts to his hand and a gunshot wound to his left thigh after the gang seized his rifle.

A county enforcement officer suffered deep cuts to his head and right thigh, while his colleague, Omari Mzerera, was shot in the back. The bullet exited through his chest, killing him, according to police.

Another county enforcement officer reportedly escaped the attack without injuries.

The injured officers were rushed to Diani Beach Hospital for treatment, while Mzerera’s body was transferred to the Coast General mortuary after a doctor confirmed his death.

Cherono said the exact number of attackers remained unknown, although preliminary estimates indicated that about five people may have been involved.

“We want to establish the number of criminals who were there and what led to the attack. Our investigations will give us that information,” she said.

Police officers visited the scene, where crime scene investigators documented evidence as investigations began.

The stolen rifle and ammunition are among the key items police are seeking to recover as officers pursue the attackers. Cherono appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to report it to the police.

No arrests had been made by the time of publication.

Tension remained high in the area, with police expected to intensify operations to recover the firearm and apprehend those responsible.

The attack has also revived concerns over security in parts of Likoni, where residents have previously experienced violent incidents, including attacks that raised fears of possible links to terrorism. However, police had not established any connection between Monday’s incident and terrorism.