Slain drug baron's sons caught up in club gun drama

Baktash Akasha (left) and his brother Ibrahim Akasha when they appeared in a Mombasa court for their extradition case. [Photo: Gideon Maundu/Standard]

Police are probing reports of a violent fight involving the sons of slain drug baron Ibrahim Abdalla Akasha and Mombasa tycoon Ali Punjani.

The fight occurred on Sunday at a popular club in Nyali where the Akashas claim they were lured and beaten by thugs and guns drawn on them.

Details of the fight that sent revellers scampering for safety have not been disclosed but reports indicate that Baktash Akasha, his brother Ibrahim Akasha, and Indian drug suspect Vijaygiri Goswami and two other relatives of the Akashas were involved in the fight that lasted about 30 minutes.

SHOT DEAD

The Akashas and Goswami are battling extradition to the US where they have been indicted on drug trafficking charges by a court in New York.

The three are out on bond.

Their father was shot dead in Amsterdam in 2000 while on the run from Kenyan authorities who wanted him after the discovery of a drug haul.

Yesterday, Baktash turned up at the Dog Section police station in Kisauni area of Mombasa sporting a bandage on his head, claiming he was hit with a gun and had received seven stitches. Baktash was accompanied by Ibrahim and several bodyguards and his lawyer Cliff Ombeta to record statements.

Reports indicate Punjani recorded his statement at the same station on New Year’s day after the fight.

Yesterday police said an investigation had been launched into what transpired at the club.

“Yes it is true and we are investigating the incident. I can’t tell you much on phone,” said Kisauni DCIO Valerian Obore who confirmed the incident.

DEEP CUT

He said that the police had recorded statements from both sides.

According to the police report, Baktasha sustained a deep cut on his head and was rushed to hospital and had to be stitched.

The report also indicates Baktash arrived at the said joint in the company of his brothers and two cousins at about 6pm on Sunday before the fight broke out.

The Akasha brothers’ lawyer, Mr Cliff Ombeta, confirmed the incident but termed it as a small brawl and that the two parties were ready to withdraw the matter.

“I can term the matter as a new year excitement that accelerated into a small misunderstanding but it will be sorted out between the two friends,” said Ombeta.

We were unable to reach Punjani for his side of the story.