Residents of Huruma estate in Nairobi protested on Wednesday after a 14-year-old boy was shot during a police operation targeting suspected robbers. The boy was reportedly hit by a bullet fired by an officer who was attempting to disperse a crowd that had gathered at the scene.
The incident sparked anger among locals, leading to running battles between residents and police. Witnesses said the situation escalated after people tried to stop detectives from arresting the suspects, with some hurling stones at officers. In response, police fired shots to break up the crowd, a move residents say amounted to excessive force.
Another resident, Leonard Makokha, claimed the officer fired into the air but ended up hitting the minor.
“Ule askari alimwambia mimi ni afisa wa Jonsaga, nieleze na wewe ni wa kituo gani ili kama hawa wamekosa tu arrest huyo na tujue unampeleka wapi. Hivo ndio alitoa bunduki aka shoot juu. Kumbe ame shoot mtoto,” he stated.
According to accounts from the area, the suspects resisted arrest, which contributed to the tension. The confrontation drew more residents into the scene, further complicating the operation and prompting police to act to regain control.
The boy’s father said the officer responsible fled the scene immediately after the shooting and has not been arrested. He expressed pain over his son’s condition, noting that the child was shot in the leg and is currently unable to walk.
“Huyo polisi hakupatikani, alimpiga risasi na akatoroka. Nikona uchungu sana juu kutoka jana mama na mtoto wako hospitali. Uchungu ni, mtoto alipigwa risasi kwa nini? Risasi ya mguu. Saa hii hatembei,” he stated.
Elsewhere, leaders in Garissa also raised concerns over a separate shooting involving a young man. Garissa Governor Nathif Jama condemned the killing of 24-year-old Aden Mohammed Hassan, who was shot dead on Tuesday, describing it as an act of brutality by a DCI officer.
“Kijana mdogo wa miaka 24 aliwekwa risasi karibu na bodiga karibu na Garissa. Ile kitu inashangaza ni kulikua na polisi wengine hapo hawajamshika huyo ofisa na wanamjua na wanafanya kazi pamoja,” stated Mohamed Shidiye, a gubernatorial aspirant.
“This is the second incident in less than four months, and this one was similarly shot by a DCI officer. I have spoken to Director Amin and I have told him I will accept nothing short of that officer being brought to court,” stated Nathif Jama.