A violent group of protesters burnt two police cars in chaos over the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in a police operation in Majengo area, Nairobi.
The group, which chanted Allahu Akibar slogans also blocked roads in the area as they protested the death of the form three student in the area.
Witnesses said the group attacked and damaged police cars as others blocked major roads in the area demanding action on those behind the said shooting.
The group also attacked the chief’s office in the area.
Many people were caught unaware as the protests started at 6 am after a group walked out of a mosque spreading to the nearby Gikomba market as police struggled to contain the situation.
Police said the protests stemmed from an incident on Tuesday night where a shooting happened at Majengo Social Hall area involving undercover police officers and a group of youths.
Police had stopped a group of youths for random search on suspicion of trafficking drugs.
They were targeting a well-known suspect who was among the group.
In the drama, the suspect resisted and raised an alarm shouting for help from a group that was coming from a mosque.
The police said the group attacked and chased the officers forcing one of them to shoot for protection.
It was then one person was shot and injured in the head and was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
Police said one of the police officers involved in the confrontation had serious injuries in the hip, hand and back.
Come in Wednesday March 5 morning, the protesters gathered in the area and lit bonfire demanding action on the officer involved in the shooting.
Police responded with tear gas and live bullets to disperse the group.
Witnesses said there were at least two cars that had been burnt in the chaos.
Property were destroyed.
Businesses were closed for the better part of the morning as the running battles raged.
Nairobi police boss George Sedah said they had called for a meeting to discuss the way forward.