Belgian shot dead in Mombasa

A Belgian was shot and killed in Kisauni, Mombasa and a female companion injured by unknown gunmen last week.

The killing of the man identified by Belgian press as Dimitri Van Hamme, occurred on December 23 even as Kenya police announced stringent security measures in Mombasa.  News of the incident only became available Sunday. Security authorities have been reluctant to release information about Dimitri's death which occurred at an undisclosed spot when gunmen, reportedly, shot to flag down a taxi in which he and his friend, Nancy were travelling.

A witness told The Standard that Dimitri, who has been living in Mombasa for two years working for an international security firm, jumped out of the taxi to combat a robber who was trying to snatch a cell phone and bag from Nancy.

"At that time, another gunman emerged and shot Dimitri several times from close range," said the witness who cannot be identified.

Reports show he died on the way to a private hospital where Nancy is recuperating.

According to reports in the Belgian media, 31-year-old Dimitri came to Kenya after retiring from the Belgian military where he was a para-commando for 10 years.

Retired paratrooper

Police in Mombasa have been reluctant to discuss the matter but e-Turbo news, which publishes global travel industry news, published the murder suggesting Dimitri was a victim of "an apparent mugging or robbery attempt".

The report said the "retired paratrooper was fatally shot in the ensuing struggle while his companion is in a local hospital with serious injuries following her emergency treatment."

Mombasa police boss Robert Kitur Sunday referred this writer to Kisauni OCPD Joseph Ngatia saying, "only he could release information about that incident because it took place in his area."

Mr Ngatia promised to issue a statement on that matter, saying he was involved in a security operation Sunday.