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Tension high in Mombasa after killing of Kenyan cleric

03 April 2014 02:30 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Tension remains high in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa after the assassination of a prominent hardline Muslim cleric on Tuesday evening amid heavy security presence in major residential areas, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

Sheikh Abubabakar Sheriff, alias Makaburi, a close associate of the late Muslim cleric sheikh Aboud Rogo, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting incident by unknown gunmen after the government vowed to enhance security crackdown on perpetrators of terror activities across the country.

Makaburi's killing sparked tension within Majengo and Kisauni residential estates, the bases of his supporters who have threatened to retaliate, sparking tensions in the tourism resort city.

Police said on Wednesday Makaburi who had clear links with Somali militants was shot dead at close range by unknown gunmen. Another person was also shot dead alongside Makaburi.

Divisional police commander Richard Ngatia said police have launched investigation into the incident to establish the motive of his killing which came amid resurgence of grenade attacks in the port city.

"Three of his accomplices escaped unhurt during the fierce shooting. He was shot several times in the upper side of his body, " the area police chief said.

Police have not arrested those behind the killing but "urge well wishers to share information with security agencies," said Ngatia.

Both Makaburi and Rogo were on U.S. and UN sanctions lists for allegedly supporting Somali militant group Al-Shabaab, including through recruitment and fund-raising. The two openly supported the terror acts including the deadly siege at west gate attack in Nairobi.

Makaburi was last week quoted of justifying the killing of non Muslims following the government's decision to send troops to deal with Al-Shabaab.