Boy, 3, killed as police 'disperse mob' at chang'aa den

Two police officers have been arrested over the death of a three-year-old boy who was killed by a stray bullet in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the incident that occurred at a chang’aa den on Sunday evening.

The officers are expected to take plea. According to investigations, the boy was struck in the stomach by three bullets from an AK47 rifle.

IPOA spokesman Denis Oketch said the agency had dispatched a team to the scene to establish the circumstances under which the shooting took place.

“It is unfortunate that an innocent life was lost,” Mr Oketch said.

The officers involved in the shooting said they were trying to scare a mob that was baying for their blood.

They said they had gone to the area to make an arrest. Witnesses who were interviewed said a disagreement emerged between the police and the owner of the den over unexplained payments.

Blocked road

Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said besides the IPOA probe, his officers would investigate the incident further.

Meanwhile, Multi-Media University students yesterday morning blocked Magadi Road to protest the killing of their colleague in a hit and run accident.

Police had to use teargas to disperse the students from the busy road. The students accused some public service vehicle operators using the Ongata Rongai route of recklessness.

“They overcharge us and drop us at places that are not designated as bus-stops,” said one student.