Residents block Outering Road in protest over police shooting

Angry residents took to the streets, blocking Outering Road after police shooting sparked unrest and chaos.[Standard,file]

Tension was high along Outering Road in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, after residents of Kiamaiko protested alleged killing of a man by the police.

The protest began when the police opened fire on residents who were resisting an operation to recover a stolen motorcycle.

The situation degenerated into running battles between the police and the protesters, resulting in the alleged shooting of a man who was not immediately identified.

He died at Huruma Nursing Home while undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds.

The shooting sparked a wave of anger among residents, leading them to block Outering Road and light bonfires in protest.

After a three-hour running battle, a chief's camp was destroyed, a 32-seater bus was overturned, and several shop windows were smashed, resulting in multiple people sustaining injuries.

Outering Road also became impassable for hours as protesters hurled stones at motorists and stole from unsuspecting passersby.

The road, which serves as a link between Juja Road and Thika Road, became a no-go zone. School-going children caught up in the middle of the fight sought refuge at Huruma Police Station while the police tried to quell the situation

According to Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, investigations have been launched to establish the real cause of the incident.

"As of now, we are yet to establish what led to the demonstration and injuries. We have launched an investigation, and once we know, we will ensure the culprits are brought to book," said Bungei.