Ian Njoroge : “Police Seize Motorist for Assault on Officer”

Shortly after a disturbing video showing a 19-year-old man assaulting a traffic police officer on Kamiti Road in Kasarani went viral, Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei was incensed and immediately launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Upon receiving the video, Mr Bungei wasted no time in demanding the arrest of the perpetrator, expressing his anger over the incident. He urgently contacted the Kasarani Police Station boss to convey his directive.

Receiving the message from Mr Bungei, the station commander quickly mobilised a multi-agency search for the assailant, identified as Ian Njoroge. The video captured the motorist physically attacking the traffic police officer, alleging that the officer had tried to unlawfully enter his vehicle after reportedly finding him in violation of traffic laws.

Instructions were swiftly disseminated to all officers under the jurisdiction of Kasarani Police Station and neighbouring areas where the assault took place.

With the directive in place, the hunt for Ian Njoroge officially commenced, with crucial information about the suspect’s vehicle provided by a matatu crew who witnessed and recorded the incident.

Despite attempts by members of the public to apprehend the teenager, he managed to evade capture by fleeing in his car. Prompt action was taken by the police to track him down.

A team comprising officers from Kasarani Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau gathered essential leads, including CCTV footage of the suspect’s getaway vehicle and his mobile phone number.

Officers involved in the investigation reported a sense of outrage among the National Police Service ranks following the assault on their colleague, a 55-year-old officer.

After an eight-hour search, the police raided a house in Jacaranda estate where the suspect was believed to be hiding, but he was not found. Detectives then proceeded to the Eastlands area, where the mobile phone signal of the wanted man was last traced.

The suspect was eventually located in a flat belonging to a friend, leading to his apprehension by the law enforcement authorities.

Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has condemned the attack and urged the public to report any grievances with the police to the agency for investigation, rather than resorting to vigilante justice.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court this morning to face charges related to the assault on the traffic police officer.