In a tragic incident in Ngong Town, Kajiado County, a police officer was arrested after accidentally shooting and seriously injuring a 15-year-old boy while attempting to quell a mob that was lynching a suspect.
The officer intervened as the mob was attacking a suspect accused of attempting murder, leaving another man with three stab wounds in the Mathare area of the town.
As the mob cornered the suspect and began assaulting him with stones and sticks, the police officer, who was on patrol, intervened to save him.
In the process, the officer’s rifle discharged, firing a bullet that hit the boy in the abdomen, causing the mob to disperse.
The injured suspect, the boy, and the initial victim were rushed to the hospital.
The suspect was treated and discharged from Ngong Sub County Hospital, while the boy and the first victim were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
Both victims were reported to be in stable but serious condition.
Following the incident, the constable of police was disarmed and arrested.
Police authorities announced their intention to charge him in court over the shooting.
Local residents threatened to stage a protest in response to the incident, reflecting growing concerns over the misuse of official weapons by state agents.
In a separate incident in Meru, police are investigating the shooting of a 20-year-old man in the Lowangila area.
The victim, David Changi Ngala, was shot in the left knee by an unknown gang armed with rifles while opening the door of his house.
He was rushed to Isiolo County Referral Hospital, where he was admitted in fair condition.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.
Police have intensified operations in the area, which is prone to cattle rustlers’ attacks, to curb criminal activities.
The incident remains under investigation.
