Suspected terrorist, 2 minors shot dead: He was using the children to shield himself after ‘throwing grenade at police’

A suspected terrorist from Kibundani in Diani, Kwale County was on Friday night shot dead by police during a home raid.

Mohamed Mapenzi was killed after he allegedly hurled a grenade at police, who raided his home at 11pm in search of firearms and other illegal weapons.

Also killed, were two children aged between 4 and 6 years old, who Mapenzi, alias Spanya, used in shielding himself from bullets fired by the cops.

The bodies of the three were taken to Kwale County morgue.

The suspect’s wife and three other children sustained injuries in the incident, and were taken to Msambweni County Referral Hospital.

Police recovered one live grenade and assorted jungle uniform.

One police officer sustained minor injuries after Mapenzi hurled a grenade at the cops on their arrival at his home. One police officer sustained minor injuries after Mapenzi hurled a grenade at the cops on their arrival at his home. One police officer sustained minor injuries after Mapenzi hurled a grenade at the cops on their arrival at his home.

Police have so far arrested two people on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on an undisclosed police station in the South Coast. One of the two persons in lawful custody is Saidi Chitswa, alias Ninja, who police say is a “known Al Shabaab recruiter”.

Chitswa was the first suspect to be arrested, and upon being interrogated, he led police to Mohamed Mapenzi’s house.

Msambweni Sub-County Police Commander Nehemiah Bitok said investigations into the matter have commenced.