NPS probing alleged media obstruction during Shauri Moyo demos

Majengo residents protest following the shooting to death of a 17-year-old boy Tuesday night, March 5, 2025/ ENOS TECHE

The National Police Service says it has launched investigations into allegations that some of its officers obstructed journalists from covering a public riot on Wednesday.

Officers from Shauri Moyo police station clashed with angry members of the public who were protesting the shooting to death of a young man Tuesday night, allegedly by officers from the station.

Reports emerged online that some journalists were prevented from documenting the events, with a local media claiming that footage captured by its cameraman was forcefully deleted by the officers.

In a statement, the NPS, through spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said it's investigating the allegations.

"The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to a photograph circulating on both mainstream and social media, which allege that police officers interfered with journalists performing their duties today. As a Service, we are gravely concerned and strongly condemn such misconduct. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation," Nyaga said.

He said the service is committed to safeguarding and promoting media freedom in line with the constitution and international standards as it executes its mandate.

"NPS wishes to reassure the public that firm and decisive action will be taken against any officer found to have engaged in misconduct," Nyaga said.

The protests were ignited by the shooting to death of a 17-year-old on Tuesday night at around 8.30 pm. 

The boy said to be in Form 3, was fatally shot allegedly by police as he walked home from the mosque after evening prayers and died at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he was rushed for treatment.

Angry residents stormed Shauri Moyo police station Wednesday morning, demanding answers.

The mob set sections of the station ablaze, torched two police cars, and lit bonfires on Jogoo Road, disrupting normal traffic flow.

Police fired tear gas canisters at the group of youths in a spirited bid to avert further destruction of property 

Nairobi police commander George Sedah earlier said that there were incidents of criminality in the protests, resulting in the destruction of property.