BY ALBERT NYAKUNDI
A toddler was on Sunday night shot dead by an alleged “stray” bullet from a Police officer in Soweto slum in Kahawa West area of Nairobi.
Senior Police officers in Kasarani spent the better part of Monday trying to piece together circumstances under which the two-and-a-half-year-old baby boy was shot dead by a police officer.
According to several eye witnesses who spoke to Hot News on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, the police officers were on normal patrol in the area when the incident happened.
Some alleged that there was a scuffle after the police officers poured the residents illegal brew thus the shooting.
“The police are used to extorting from us. When you refuse to give a bribe- they threaten you with all manner of things. They were denied a bribe that’s why they poured the brew and a scuffle ensued thus the shooting,” said a resident.
Efforts to get comments from the parents were futile as they were held up at Kasarani DCI’s office recording statements.
A Senior police officer not authorized to speak to the press said in confidence the officers on duty that night have since been arrested.
“We are recording statements as of now and if the officers are found culpable- that is when they will be arraigned.” the officer said.
Contacted for comment, police spokesman Charles Owino said through a text message that he is currently out of the country and unable to give any comments.
“I am out of the country.” read Owinos message.
Residents on Sunday night lit bonfires, barricaded the northern bypass and stoned motorists before police officers from Kiamumbi police station dispersed them.