A driver caught on video assaulting a traffic police officer in a Nairobi road rage incident has been arrested. The driver, identified as Ian Njoroge, was apprehended Sunday night in the Jacaranda area of Kayole, Nairobi.
The incident unfolded Sunday morning on Kamiti Road. Njoroge and a passenger in a salon car made an illegal U-turn at the Mirema junction, causing their vehicle to get stuck in a ditch.
Corporal Jacob Ogendo, 55, responded to the scene, helped free the car, and instructed Njoroge to drive to Kasarani police station. Ogendo accompanied him in the passenger seat.
Shortly after, Njoroge abruptly pulled the handbrake and drew a sword from under his seat. Ogendo, fearing for his safety, jumped out of the car but sustained minor injuries.
Njoroge pursued and assaulted him, delivering punches and kicks until Ogendo fell to the ground.
Onlookers captured the assault on video, which quickly went viral and sparked public outrage. The video shows Njoroge continuing his attack until motorists intervened, prompting him to flee the scene. An accomplice was arrested on-site.
Ogendo, who had a pre-existing leg injury, was initially treated at a local private hospital before being transferred to Mama Lucy Hospital for further care.
Police swiftly mobilized to locate Njoroge, who had contacted a friend to help him move to Balozi state.
He was eventually found hiding in a house in Kayole. Njoroge now faces charges including attempted murder.
Ian Njoroge Explains Assaulting a Police Officer
Shortly after his arrest, Njoroge underwent a brief but intense interrogation by presumed officers.
In a separate video, a handcuffed Njoroge is seen answering questions from two officers.
They first asked about his parents’ occupations.
“My father is a teacher at Mavoko Boys Secondary School and my mother is a businesswoman selling lab equipment,” Njoroge responded.
The officers continued their questioning. “Where did you train?” one asked.
“I have not trained,” Njoroge answered.
“Where did you learn to hit an officer?” they pressed.
“I have never hit an officer before. Today was my first time,” Njoroge admitted.
The dialogue grew more confrontational. The officer asked where Njoroge found the courage to attack a police officer.
Njoroge explained, “I was just angry. We were not understanding each other because he wanted a lot of money which I could not get…”
The interrogating officer interrupted, “What are you saying?”
The officers then demanded Njoroge demean himself. “Sema wewe ni wazimu (Say you are a fool),” ordered one.
“Mimi ni wazimu kabisa (I am a fool),” Njoroge complied.
Another officer added, “Wewe ni ng’ombe (You’re a cow).”
The interrogation concluded with the officer putting in the last word, “Mbwa wewe, unaskia (You are a dog, you hear me?).”
By Vivian K.