Corporal Jacob Ogendo, the traffic policeman, has broken his silence following a brutal assault captured in a viral video by a 19-year-old motorist, Ian Njoroge. Speaking for the first time since the attack, Ogendo expressed his willingness to forgive Njoroge despite suffering severe injuries in the altercation.
Mike Sonko Intervenes
In a conversation with former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, whom Ogendo served as a bodyguard, he revealed the extent of his injuries and his reluctance to appear in public due to trauma.
Mike Sonko promised to arrange for Ian Njoroge to issue a public apology to Corporal Ogendo after the latter was charged in Court.
Despite his pain, he conveyed his openness to forgiveness, stating, “I respect you (Sonko), and if you tell me to forgive him, I will. Whatever you say I will do even though I was injured and I am in much pain.”
Corporal Ogendo also revealed that, in addition to the public trauma from the assault, he is dealing with the loss of his mother-in-law. In response, Sonko pledged to send him Sh30,000 to help cover treatment expenses and cope with this loss.
The officer, who is diabetic, got hurt on his leg when he jumped out of the car after Njoroge pulled out a sword. The officer is said to have demanded for a Sh10,000 bribe which Njoroge unsuccessfully tried to negotiate to SH5,000. And this is said to drive the young man to violence.
Njoroge followed and attacked him with punches and kicks while he was on the ground. He first got treated at Kasarani’s Crestview Mother and Child Wellness Centre before being sent to Mama Lucy Hospital for more care.
Ian Njoroge Mother Speaks
Njoroge’s mother, Ruth Nyambura, acknowledged her son’s wrongdoing and sought forgiveness on his behalf. She expressed shock at his behavior, describing him as obedient and dedicated to church activities.
However, she admitted that the events captured in the video had induced trauma in her, stating, “I did not expect him to misbehave in that manner, given his dedication to the church and the high-level schools I took him to.”
Nyambura also addressed rumors surrounding her son’s arrest, denying claims that he was apprehended at his girlfriend’s house. She clarified that she was at home when the police took took him into custody on June 2.
The 19-year-old Civil Engineering student from the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) was subsequently charged with six counts, including robbery with violence, during his arraignment at Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, June 4.
The defense team has claimed the arresting officers molested Ian Njoroge until he fainted twice. And that they aso assaulted him.
Njoroge has today appeared in Court for his second day of hearing for bail application.
By Vivian K.