Kwale residents demand justice over killing of Form Four student

A section of Kwale residents is demanding justice following the brutal killing of a Form Four student at Kilolapo B  in the Msikiti Nuru area within Ukunda, Msambweni Sub-county.

The deceased, identified as Khalfan Mapera, was reportedly stoned and hit with blunt objects to death by a mob over allegations of theft. 

However, locals insist he was innocent and are calling on authorities to arrest those responsible.

Mapera attended Mwagogo Boys High School in Taita Taveta. Residents described him as a well-mannered and disciplined young man with no history of crime.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Assistant Chairperson Fatuma Bakari condemned the killing, urging law enforcement officers to take swift action.

“They have killed an innocent child who was always kind and disciplined. The people who did this are known, and the law must take its course,” she said.

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Bakari appealed to security agencies to ensure justice is served, warning that failure to act could encourage more cases of mob violence in the area.

She said that those responsible should be arrested and serve as an example to others who often violate the law.

She further expressed deep sorrow, saying the incident has left many women in the community traumatized and heartbroken.

“As mothers, it is painful to witness a young life being taken away so recklessly,” she said.

According to Bakari, Khalfan was killed while still holding a food container in his hand, a detail that, she said, highlights the cruelty and injustice of the attack.

She said the deceased had gone to buy food at a nearby local food kiosk.

Another resident, Shufa Athman, said the incident had sparked fear and outrage among community members who knew the deceased well.

He called for local leaders and human rights organizations to intervene and advocate against mob justice.

Athman lamented that the perpetrators did not only take a life but also destroyed the community’s hope for the future.

“They didn’t just kill Khalfan; they shattered the dreams of his family and the entire community,” he said.

He added that Khalfan’s family had invested in his education, hoping he would become their future breadwinner, and all of that has been taken away most brutally.

Athman said they are now demanding justice for the young soul.

Police in Kwale have commenced investigations.

By Shaban Omar