Police have released a statement explaining circumstances under which a 17-year old boy passed away after he was hit by a stray bullet dislodged from a Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer's gun in Nairobi's Huruma estate on Thursday, September 9.
According to the police report, OB 70/09/09/2021 recorded at 23:35pm, the officer drawn from the DCI was on a patrol in the Kiamaiko area near Huruma Mosque when he noticed a suspicious vehicle.
Upon ordering the vehicle to stop, the driver stepped out and a scuffle ensued between him and the DCI officer. Curious residents joined the scuffle, pelting the officer with stones.
Overpowered and scared for his life, the DCI officer fired one round in the air to disperse the rowdy mob. Unfortunately, the bullet strayed and hit the boy who was standing on a balcony.
According to the police statement, the boy died while being rushed to a nearby Jumia Hospital. His body was taken to the same facility awaiting the full autopsy examination.
The scene of the shooting was visited by Stapol Huruma and documented for further investigations.
Starehe Sub-county police commander Julias Kiragu confirmed the incident, stating the DCI officers on patrol were trying to disperse the surging mob before the incident occurred.
Kiragu said all witnesses including relevant government institutions have been invited to record statements to aid investigations into the incident.
The incident sparked tension in the area with the residents storming Huruma police station demanding justice.
The latest incident comes even as the country continues to grapple with the escalating cases of police brutality. According to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the cases under investigation are hitting alarming numbers.
