Chaos erupted in Nairobi CBD around midday on Saturday, September 25 after a police officer shot and killed a boda boda rider along Kirinyaga Road.
Angry residents and riders engaged police in running battles, following the incident that took place around the Simba Coach area.
The witnesses claim that the officer shot the rider, identified as Rabin Aboki after they allegedly disagreed over a bribe. The officer, who was in plain clothes, is alleged to have demanded a bribe of Ksh50 after the rider reportedly disregarded a traffic rule.
According to eyewitnesses, the rider refused to bribe the police offer, leading to an argument. The tiff spiralled out of control, with the officer shooting the rider. He died on the spot, despite desperate efforts to administer first aid to and rush him to hospital.
The angry rioters were joined by Starehe Member of Parliament, Charles Njagua, commonly known as Jaguar, in protesting the brutality at the Kamkunji Police Station.
"The officer who has shot this boy at Kirinyaga Road is from Kamkunji police station. He never wears his uniform and most times, you find him at the City Council toilets along Kirinyaga Road," one of the protestors mentioned.
According to eyewitnesses, the boda boda rider had tried to overtake on the wrong side when he was arrested. The officer is alleged to have insisted on the bribe in exchange for his freedom.
The riders said their colleague refused to give in to the officer's demand and without hesitation, the officer took a gun from his pocket and shot him.
The aftermath saw a big crowd of curious onlookers and boda boda riders demanding justice as they protested outside Kamukunji Police Station.
Police had to use teargas to disperse the crowds in a bid to manage the situation. An uneasy calm has now prevailed, even as city residents continue to demand for justice.
{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/wZOrGVOC8_4.jpg?itok=vF1U_OWm","video_url":"
