Russian tourist shot dead in Mombasa

Mombasa County Deputy Commander Sevelino kubai speaks at Kibokoni area of Old Town, Mombasa County where a Russian woman was shot dead on Sunday morning. (Photo:Kelvin Karani/Standard)

Mombasa, Kenya: A Russian tourist was yesterday shot dead by gunmen who escaped in a waiting car at Mombasa's Old Town.

Thirty-year-old Maria Tatyana was murdered about five metres from the Shia Sheri Mosque and an abandoned building in the historic town at around 10am as she was being shown around by tour guides.

Eyewitnesses told The Standard the three attackers escaped in a car towards Mombasa town centre after one opened fire on the Russian and her two friends, against police claims that the assailants fled on foot.

The tourist who reportedly spoke English was shot once in the forehead along Kitui Street when she declined to surrender her belongings.

This, police claim, has been disputed by eyewitnesses who said nothing was stolen or robbed from the Russian national who was staying at a hotel in the Kenyan south coast.

Mombasa County Deputy Police Commander Sevelino Kubai confirmed the incident, saying officers are investigating the crime.

"We are treating the killing as a normal robbery with violence because one of the thugs shot this tourist when she tried to fight back when the gang struck," said Kubai.

He said the tourist, who was killed in front of Shia Sheri Mosque, died at Mombasa Hospital while undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit.

Although few Russians visit Kenya and its coast, Maria's murder could strike a fresh blow against tourism.