Student jailed for attacking tourists

Fort Jesus

A student, who was accused by police of attacking tourists and snatching a camera and cellphone at Fort Jesus on Sunday, has been jailed for three years.

Swaleh Arafat from Mombasa's Old Town was slapped with the jail term after pleading guilty to one charge of stealing a Canon camera, an Oppo cellphone and other property valued at Sh102,267 from a Chinese tourist Li Ying, who was visiting the monument.

Swaleh, who had no lawyer, said: "I plead guilty to the charges."

"The accused will be sentenced on his on plea of guilty and he will serve three years in jail with no fine. He has 14 days to appeal," said Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo.

His parents, who were following the proceedings from the public gallery, were left shell shocked when Odenyo declared the sentence.

Li Ying, who was also present, had earlier told police that she wished to recover her property from Kenyan authorities. She also announced that she was cutting short her stay in Kenya, which was to end tomorrow.

Swaleh is accused that on January 3, 2016 at Fort Jesus, he stole cash and valuables from Li Ying.