Nairobi, March 5 – Residents of Majengo and Pumwani took to the streets on Wednesday morning in protest after a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot during a police operation.
Witnesses identified the victim as a Form Three student. Outraged demonstrators blocked roads, lit bonfires, and attacked police vehicles, demanding justice. At least two police cars were torched in the chaos, which spread to the nearby Gikomba market, disrupting businesses.
Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah confirmed the unrest, attributing it to a Tuesday night incident at Majengo Social Hall. According to police reports, undercover officers were conducting a search on a group of youths suspected of drug trafficking when they encountered resistance. The officers targeted a well-known suspect who allegedly called for help, prompting a crowd to confront the police.
In the altercation, an officer fired a shot, striking the teenager in the head. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police reported that one officer sustained serious injuries to his hip, hand, and back.
By early Wednesday, enraged residents gathered, setting up barricades and demanding action against the officer responsible. Police responded with tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowd. Senior police officials arrived at the scene to prevent further escalation.
Commander Sedah urged calm, stating that authorities had convened a meeting with community leaders to address the issue. Businesses remained closed for hours as clashes continued between police and protesters.
