Anti-riot police disperse touts protesting along Haile Sellasie

Nairobi, Kenya: A tout died after a vehicle ran over him in a confrontation with police at Railways bus stop, Nairobi.

Police had tried to arrest the deceased on Friday afternoon prompting a confrontation that led to his death.

Witnesses and police said the officer had tried to drag the tout from the matatu after he allegedly committed an offense when the driver drove.

Central OCPD Paul Wanjama said the driver drove off, the tout slipped off before the same vehicle ran over him killing him instantly in the 3pm incident.

The death sparked violent protests at the scene spreading to Haile Sellassie Avenue for hours in which other motorists were attacked and robbed.

Police used teargas to disperse the group of touts and drivers who were protesting the death of their colleague demanding the arrest of the officer who allegedly caused the death.

The protests started when the police went to collect the body from the scene.

More police were called in to quell the situation that caused a major traffic jam in the area and other roads.

Wanjama said the officer was arresting the tout for committing a traffic offense.

“We will investigate the circumstances under which the death occurred. They should not cause destruction and injuries,” said Wanjama.

Other touts and drivers said the officer was demanding a bribe from the deceased prompting the confrontation and death.

“They usually demand money from us and that was what he wanted,” said one of the touts.

The officer managed to remove the body from the scene after a violent confrontation that ran to late evening.