At least two people were seriously injured on Thursday evening when a mob clashed with police officers following a road rage incident along Thika Road in Nairobi. The incident occurred after officers, who were in plain clothes, attempted to arrest a matatu driver involved in a hit-and-run accident near the Kastemil area.
According to police reports, the suspect, a matatu driver, collided with a private vehicle being used by two officers. The driver then fled the scene, prompting a short chase by the officers, who eventually blocked the road in an attempt to make an arrest.
As the officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, a large crowd gathered and accused the police of attempting to abduct the driver. The officers identified themselves as law enforcement and explained they were victims of the hit-and-run, but the mob, which included passengers from the matatu, became increasingly aggressive. They threatened to stone the officers and set their vehicle on fire, demanding the release of the driver.
In a bid to disperse the crowd, one of the officers fired four rounds into the air. However, the situation escalated, and two passengers in the matatu were injured by the gunfire. A 62-year-old man was struck in the left thigh, and a 42-year-old man was shot in the left foot. Both victims were rushed to St. Francis Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
As the mob fled, the police removed the matatu from the scene for processing, while the suspect was taken to Zimmerman police post for further investigation.
The incident highlights a troubling rise in civil disobedience and mob interference with law enforcement in the region. Similar incidents have been reported in Embu and Nakuru, raising concerns about growing public unrest. Police officials warn that such actions obstruct justice and are punishable by law.
Authorities are urging officers to ensure they are properly identified and explain their actions to the public, in order to maintain trust and prevent further clashes.
