A video of a dramatic confrontation between a female police officer and a motorist in Nairobi has sparked public outrage and drawn sharp condemnation from the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK).
The viral clip, which brought business to a standstill in the busy area, shows the officer trying to force her way into the driver's seat through the open door, all while the driver remains seated inside.
She can be heard shouting at the motorist, repeatedly commanding him to "get out of the car" while physically pulling at his shirt and the vehicle's steering wheel.
According to witnesses, the altercation began after the motorist allegedly refused to comply with the officer's initial request to pull over. This non-compliance reportedly led the officer to escalate the situation, resorting to physical force in a bid to detain the driver and take control of the vehicle.
What followed was a tense and chaotic standoff, with the officer and motorist locked in a physical struggle as onlookers intervened.
After a long push-and-pull, the officer eventually backed down, but not before confiscating the vehicle’s keys. The driver was then compelled to follow her.
Reacting to the dramatic scene, the MAK condemned the developments, terming them a misuse of power.
“This is crude enforcement, whatever the case. Aren't there better ways of dealing with motorists?” the association said.
Other drivers also took to social media to condemn the officer, revealing that it was becoming increasingly common for officers to treat motorists without consideration.
“This is how they handle those taxi drivers out there. I have seen it not just in this case. It should be stopped,” a concerned citizen revealed.
MAK argued that motorists are not lawbreakers and should not be treated as such.
“This is too bad. These are the taxpayers who sustain the economy and indeed pay the same cops’ salaries. The transport business is not illegitimate,” MAK continued.
The Association called for an immediate investigation into the officer’s conduct and urged the National Police Service to adopt more humane and professional methods of enforcement.
