Kenya: Ethnic tension between Kikuyus and Digos in Mombasa, specifically, riots in Mombasa in August 1997
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 July 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | KEN29663.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Kenya: Ethnic tension between Kikuyus and Digos in Mombasa, specifically, riots in Mombasa in August 1997, 1 July 1998, KEN29663.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aabdc8.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
There was tension in Mombasa in August 1997 following an incident in which an armed gang attacked and burnt two police stations in Likoni near Mombasa on 13 August 1997 (DPA 30 Aug. 1997). The attack sparked unrest and ethnic clashes throughout Mombasa (ibid., AFP 19 Aug. 1997, 12793; 18 Aug. 1997; ARB Sept. 1997; AAPS 25 Aug. 1997).
In anticipation of a security crack-down, several people including the Digo, who are indigenous to the area and residents from outside Mombasa fled Likoni (DPA 30 Aug. 1997)
Arson attacks elsewhere in Mombasa were directed at people who were not originally from Mombasa, but who work and live or have lived there for a long time. Approximately 40 people were reportedly killed and several others displaced (AFP 19 Aug.1997; ARB Sept. 1997, 12783; AAPS 25 Aug. 1977).
Information specific to ethnic tension between the Digos and the Kikuyus could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. For additional information on the Digo, please consult KEN28902.E of 9 March 1998.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Agence France Presse (AFP). 19 August 1997. "Kenyan Death toll Rises, Tourist Resorts Threatened." (NEXIS)
_____. 18 August 1997. "Retours au calme à Mombasa, polémique sur l'origine des violences." (NEXIS)
All Africa Presse Service (AAPS). 25 August 1997. "Kenya: Cathedral Shelters Kenyans Fleeing Coastal Violence." (Africa News Service 25 Aug. 1997/NEXIS)
Africa Research Bulletin: Social, Cultural and Political Series [Oxford]. September 1997. "Kenya: Violence and Arson."
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). 30 August 1997. "Thousands Flee Kenya Area of Likoni Ahead of Security Blitz." (NEXIS)
Attachment
All Africa Presse Service (AAPS). 25 August 1997. "Kenya: Cathedral Shelters Kenyans Fleeing Coastal Violence." (Africa News Service 25 Aug. 1997/NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential [London]. August 1997. Vol. 38. Nos. 16-17.
The Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. August 1997. No. 776.
New African [London]. Monthly.
Electronic sources: IRB Databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, Internet, World News Connection (WNC).
