Protests erupt in Majengo, Pumwani after police officer shot dead teenager
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan condemned the killing of the teenager and demanded swift action on the officer responsible for the shooting.
The Majengo area in Pumwani, Nairobi witnessed violent protests early Wednesday morning after a police officer allegedly shot two people on Tuesday night. One of those who was shot, a teenager, is reported to have succumbed to gunshot wounds while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Angry youths took to the streets, setting fire to the area chief’s office, police vehicles, and several private cars.
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The youths also razed the Pumwani police post which is located within the chief's office.
A vehicle was set on fire by protesters in Majengo, Pumwani on March 5, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
The unrest began late Tuesday night when demonstrators blocked roads with stones and chanted anti-police slogans. The situation escalated as thick smoke filled the air.
On Wednesday morning, additional police officers were deployed to contain the situation, but they were met with resistance from stone-throwing protesters.
Officers fired live bullets into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but the confrontation turned the area into a battle zone filled with smoke, tear gas, and flames.
Protestors who were injured were treated at Care Hospital in Eastleigh while those who were seriously injured were taken to Mama Lucy Hospital.
More security reinforcements deployed as Pumwani protests escalate over police shooting of two boys pic.twitter.com/DCBLx9uFD7
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) March 5, 2025
One of the victims who was shot was identified as Ibrahim. The other is said to be a Ugandan national. Witnesses stated that the two were at a location where illegal substances were being sold when the police arrived, allegedly to collect bribes.
The office of the area chief was also set on fire during the protests. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Frustrated by frequent harassment, individuals at the scene surrounded the officer, intending to confront him. It remains unclear how the officer managed to fire his weapon, injuring the two men, before being rescued by fellow officers.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan condemned the killing of the teenager and demanded swift action against the officer responsible for the shooting.
"The senseless killing of Ibrahim Ramadhan Chege, a 17-year-old youth from Kamukunji, is a tragedy that deeply saddens and angers me. I strongly condemn the murder of Ibrahim, who was shot in the head by a police officer in Majengo yesterday evening and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. His life, full of potential, was cruelly cut short," he said.
"This is not an isolated incident. Ibrahim's death highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice within the national police service. I demand a swift and thorough investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into this horrific act. The officer responsible must be apprehended and held accountable for his actions. My heart goes out to Ibrahim's mother, Hadija, and the rest of his family. They are in my thoughts during this difficult time. We will ensure that Ibrahim's death is not in vain and that justice is served."
Angry youths took to the streets, setting fire to the area chief’s office, a police vehicle, and several private cars. (Photo: X/KamukunjiHRDefenders)
News of the shooting spread quickly, leading to a wave of anger among the local youth. Protesters began demanding justice and calling for action against the officer involved.
The violence continued into the morning as security personnel struggled to restore order.
Ethnic profiling
The fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Ibrahim has sparked concerns about ethnic profiling against the Somali community.
Tensions have risen as the officer involved in the shooting is of Somali descent.
A photographer from The Eastleigh Voice, who is Somali, was threatened and told to leave or face assault, blamed for the actions of the officer. Several other Somali individuals in the area have also been attacked and robbed in the aftermath of the incident.
A resident assaulted by police while heading to Eastleigh is taken to receive treatment at Care Hospital following the Pumwani protests. (Photo: Charity Kilei)
Police are yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident or confirm any arrests. Tension remains high in Majengo as residents await further developments.
The unrest has disrupted several schools in California, with teachers and students staying away due to fears of further escalation.
Meanwhile, Burma Market in Shauri Moyo and Gikomba Market remain closed.
The Pumwani protests have disrupted several schools in California, with teachers and students staying away due to fears of further violence. Meanwhile, Burma Market in Shauri Moyo and Gikomba Market remain closed. pic.twitter.com/RXpAgSHONB
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) March 5, 2025
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