‘We are in disbelief’: Community mourns loss of man killed in Renton shooting spree

RENTON, Wash. – Friends of Mahamadou Kabba are trying to heal after he died last week from being shot multiple times during a shootout in Renton.

“We are still in shock. We are still in mourning. Unbelievable. We couldn’t believe it, some people still don’t want to believe this is real,” said Sulayman Jawara, one of Kabba’s close friends.

The father of five was apparently shot at random while sitting in his car in Renton on January 12. He died in hospital two weeks later.

“I was devastated when I received the news. I got a call from one of my friends here and I hung up and it was believable. It was like a dream to me,” Jawara said.

Kabba was one of three men shot in a lengthy shootout at three different locations in Renton and Sea-Tac, all of which took place in less than an hour. Suspect Mamadou Diallo was arrested shortly afterwards on I-5 in Tacoma. Police said Diallo had no connection to the victims.

“I have never met anyone more humble than him,” Jawara said.

Kabba is a beloved member of the West African Community across Seattle and an activist. He was one of the first in Seattle to testify and protest against workers’ rights to carpool.

His friends describe him as a hardworking family man who will help anyone in need.

Peter Kuel, President of Drivers Union WA, said: “He was a good man, with good judgment and always advocated for the good of the community.

Friends said it was a huge loss to the community.

“It will take us a long time to digest the kind of people we have lost. Kabba is a great man,” Jawara said.

“We miss him. We cannot fill his void, only Allah can fill it,” said Bahorey Hyrda, one of Kabba’s closest friends.

Diallo is expected to appear in court on Wednesday for charges in which upgrade charges are expected to be settled.