Kenya, March 5 -- Tensions erupted into violence in the Majengo-Gikomba area today as a group of protesters set fire to a police vehicle in response to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy by law enforcement.
The incident, which occurred earlier this morning, has sparked widespread outrage among residents, who are demanding justice and accountability.
Eyewitnesses report that the disabled teenager was shot during a confrontation with police in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Details surrounding the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear, with authorities stating that the boy was allegedly involved in suspicious activity.
However, community members dispute this claim, asserting that the teen was unarmed and posed no threat.
"He was just a disabled boy walking home. They didn't need to shoot him," said Mary Wanjiku, a local shopkeeper who claimed to have witnessed the incident.
"This is not the first time something like this has happened here. We are tired of losing our children."
Following the shooting, a crowd of angry residents gathered at the scene, chanting slogans and demanding answers from the police.
The situation escalated when protesters targeted a nearby police vehicle, dousing it with petrol and setting it ablaze. Chiefs office, Police station were all set ablaze by the angry locals.
Firefighters were called to the scene but struggled to contain the fire amid the chaos.
Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke billowing into the air as onlookers shouted anti-police slogans.
Area police commander, Inspector James Otieno, condemned the vehicle's destruction, calling it "an unacceptable act of lawlessness."
In a brief statement to the press, Otieno urged calm and promised a thorough investigation into the shooting. "We understand the community's grief, but violence will not solve anything. The matter is under investigation, and we will ensure justice is served," he said.
The Kenya Police Service issued a statement confirming that the officer involved in the shooting has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also announced that it will conduct its probe into the incident.
Meanwhile, local leaders call for dialogue to de-escalate tensions in the area, which has a history of strained relations between residents and law enforcement.
"We cannot continue like this. Both sides need to come to the table and address the root causes of this mistrust," said area MCA.
The burning of the police vehicle marks the latest in a series of violent clashes between police and residents in urban informal settlements across the country.
Community members say they are planning further demonstrations in the coming days to demand justice for the slain teenager, whose identity has not yet been officially released by authorities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.