Already two years ago, after yet another episode of robbery against European citizens, we had written about how the old city of Mombasa was no longer a safe area where tourists could go alone, even in broad daylight.

In fact, even after the pandemic restrictions and the curfew, the historic district of Kenya's second city has once again become the scene of muggings and violence and a 'hunting ground' for baby gangs and groups of thugs.

This does not only concern attacks on tourists, but also organised crime targeting well-off Kenyans and even the residents of Mombasa themselves.
Cameras in a convenience store a few months ago captured the scene of an attack by a group of most probably underage boys on a Kenyan businessman. They hit him and dragged him to the ground until he dropped his briefcase and mobile phone.

Yesterday in the old city a young businessman from the Islamic community was riddled with gunshots by two boys on two motorbikes driven by their accomplices.§
Also here in broad daylight.
The Old Town, the heart of the city-island close to the Tudor Creek and the old harbour, has for years been one of the tourist landmarks with its old Portuguese and Indian palaces and its characteristic narrow alleys, with Swahili bars where one can drink coffee served in the traditional 'dallah', which is also the symbol of Mvita, the old quarter. In the centre square between Fort Jesus and Vasco Da Gama Road, a sculpture of a large Arabian coffee pot stands out. Today many bazaars and souvenir and antique shops are closed and there are fewer and fewer typical restaurants and businesses in general.

The police and Fort Jesus officials strongly advise tourists to be accompanied by a local guide if they want to explore the 'old town'. But lately the area is dangerous anyway.