NAIROBI, Kenya – A police officer accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy in Majengo, Nairobi, has been disarmed and interdicted as investigations into the incident continue.
The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday night, triggered violent protests that left at least four people dead and dozens injured.
Authorities say the probe will involve multiple agencies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Internal Affairs Unit.
“Upon receipt of the report, police commenced investigations immediately and identified an officer suspected of involvement. Necessary action has been taken, including disarming and interdicting the officer, as well as notifying IPOA in compliance with the law,” said police spokesperson Michael Muchiri on Wednesday.
Muchiri called for calm, urging the public, particularly the youth, to cooperate with investigators by providing any relevant information.
PRESS STATEMENT : UPDATE ON THE ALLEGED SHOOTING INCIDENT IN SHAURI MOYO
The shooting sparked an immediate outcry, with angry demonstrators taking to the streets. Protesters set fires and clashed with law enforcement officers, who responded with tear gas and live bullets.
The chaos left four people dead, including a second victim found with stab wounds on Wednesday.
At least 37 people were injured, while three police officers sustained serious wounds.
The violence also led to significant property destruction, including the burning of seven police staff houses at Kamukunji AP headquarters and the vandalism of local government offices.
Police reported that two of their vehicles were damaged, one of which was set ablaze.
Authorities say the fatal incident occurred when an undercover officer confronted a group of young men suspected of drug trafficking near Majengo Social Hall.
The officer allegedly attempted to search a well-known suspect, who resisted and called for help.
According to police, a mob emerged from a nearby mosque and attacked the officer, prompting him to fire his weapon.
One of the bullets struck Ibrahim Ramadan Chege, 17, in the head. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Rights groups, however, condemned the use of force, demanding justice for the victims and an end to police brutality.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and Kamukunji Human Rights Defenders called for IPOA to conduct an independent investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
“We demand an immediate end to the use of lethal force by police. The right to protest must be upheld, and officers responsible for these shootings must face justice,” the two organizations said in a joint statement.
