Chaos erupted in Majengo, Nairobi, on Wednesday morning as protesters took to the streets following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy.
The demonstrators, chanting slogans and setting bonfires, torched two police vehicles and blocked roads, paralyzing business operations in the area.
The protests began at around 6 AM when a group of people walked out of a mosque and started marching through the streets, spreading unrest to the nearby Gikomba market.
Witnesses reported that the demonstrators also attacked the local chief’s office and engaged police in running battles.
Law enforcement officers responded with tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowd.
According to police, the unrest stemmed from a Tuesday night incident at Majengo Social Hall, where undercover officers had confronted a group of young men suspected of drug trafficking.
The officers were targeting a known suspect, who allegedly resisted arrest and called for help from a group leaving a mosque.
In the ensuing confrontation, the officers were reportedly attacked and forced to defend themselves.
One officer, who sustained serious injuries to the hip, hand, and back, fired his weapon, striking the teenager in the head.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
By Wednesday morning, tensions had escalated, with protesters demanding accountability for the killing. Businesses in the area remained closed as residents were caught in the chaos.
Nairobi police boss George Sedah confirmed that authorities had convened a meeting to discuss the situation and determine the next steps.