A lot has happened over the weekend, all things motorsports – but what’s topping the headlines was an unfortunate incident where a motorist was captured assaulting a Traffic Police Officer on duty along Mirema Junction, Nairobi. According to sources and videos circulating online, the suspect, allegedly known as Ian Njoroge, is in Police custody and was apprehended by authorities last night.
We are still in shock after the aftermath of what felt like a traffic altercation between a traffic police officer from Kasarani Police Station and a motorist along Kamiti Road, in Nairobi. Based on the footage that was recorded from several angles – the agitated motorist was seen chasing down the officer and beating him to a pulp.
Whatever might have happened between the two leading to the brutal assault is yet to be known – and for sure, we can’t make a judgment based on the aftermath. However, it begs the question, what would have provoked the young man to the extent of beating up a law enforcement officer?
Several Kenyans online expressed their opinion about the issue, siding with both parties. A few felt that it was important to find out what might have led to the beating, while most felt it was uncalled for and criminal to assault a police officer regardless of what had happened.
“On reaching opposite Quick Mart, the driver stopped and drew a sword from under the sear. The OFFICER jumped out of the vehicle, and the driver followed him with blows and Kicks. He fell on the trench, and in the process, the driver took his police phone battery and left with it,” a post, alleged to be a Police report, was posted by profile @Goddie_Ke on the X.com social media platform.
According to the report posted online, the police officer, Cpl Jacob Ogendo, was saved by members of the public and sought refuge and medical care at Crestview Mother and Child Wellness Center before being referred to Mama Lucy Hospital for further medication.
Another video that surfaced on Monday showed the suspect, Ian Njoroge, in Police custody being interrogated by what seemed to be special investigative officers. It is believed that the suspect was arrested at his girlfriend’s home.
If you’ve ever had a ‘situation’ with a Police officer on the road, you understand that the situation can be frustrating. Especially when you feel you are being extorted or taken advantage of by a person who should, in fact, be protecting and serving your rights.
Still, it doesn’t give anyone the right to be barbaric – regardless of the outcome of the incident. The right thing to do is file a report and seek immediate legal representation.
Nonetheless, it is important that the police department take this incident to help calm the situation and not turn it into one of those ‘teach them a lesson’ outcomes. I believe both parties can use this unfortunate event to bring traffic police officers and road users together, fostering civic education on corrupt free motoring throughout the country.
It’s a well-known fact that there have been incidents of bribing among local traffic cops in Kenya, something that has been frustrating drivers for decades. This is an opportunity to streamline the relationship and end a bitter rivalry.
As it is, drivers see traffic policemen as opportunistic vultures looking to prey on their rights and resources. On the other hand, crooked cops look at drivers as opportunities to make a buck. This needs to change. It should feel safer and welcome when you see a traffic policeman on the road.
Don’t get me wrong, we are not insinuating the officer was trying to extort the apprehended suspect.
Before authorities criminalize the young man, they should first seek ways of preventing further incidents – not make it a point to teach the masses a lesson.
Context video below: Viewer Discretion is highly advised.
Police say they are in the hunt of a driver who assaulted a traffic police officer in a road rage incident along Kamiti Road, Nairobi. He is armed and dangerous, police say pic.twitter.com/YcZOPw1dY8
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) June 2, 2024
