MP Issues Demand To IPOA After Police Killing Of 17-Year-Old Boy Sparks Protests

Kamukunji Member of Parliament (MP) Yusuf Hassan has demanded that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) embark on investigations regarding the alleged fatal shooting of a young boy by a police officer on Tuesday night, March 4.

In response to the incident, chaos erupted in Majengo on Wednesday morning, March 5, resulting in extensive property damage, including the destruction of two police vehicles.

Angry residents set bonfires and blocked roads, disrupting business operations in the Gikomba market. Some protesters stormed the area chief’s office, setting it ablaze before proceeding to torch houses owned by police officers.

In a statement on X, Hassan confirmed that the teenager, identified as Ibrahim Ramadhan, succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the head.

Ibrahim Ramadhan Chege who was allegedly shot and killed by police on March 4, 2025. /YUSUF HASSAN

"The senseless killing of Ibrahim Ramadhan Chege, a 17-year-old youth from Kamukunji, is a tragedy that deeply saddens and angers me. I strongly condemn the murder of Ibrahim, who was shot in the head by a police officer in Majengo yesterday evening and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. His life, full of potential, was cruelly cut short," he wrote.

Hassan condemned the incident as part of a concerning trend of police brutality and emphasized the need for immediate action to tackle the issue. He called on IPOA to carry out a prompt and comprehensive investigation.

"This is not an isolated incident. Ibrahim's death highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice within the national police service. I demand a swift and thorough investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into this horrific act. The officer responsible must be apprehended and held accountable for his actions," he added.

"My heart goes out to Ibrahim's mother, Hadija, and the rest of his family. They are in my thoughts during this difficult time. We will ensure that Ibrahim's death is not in vain and that justice is served."

During the police operation that resulted in Ramadhan's death, officers reportedly stopped a group of young men for a random search on suspicion of drug trafficking. However, one of the suspects in the group alerted others nearby, calling for assistance.

The approaching group allegedly confronted and pursued the officers, prompting one of them to fire shots in self-defense. As a result, the 17-year-old was shot in the head and later succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

The riots occurred amid ongoing concerns in Kenya over suspected extrajudicial killings in the region. 

On Tuesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) issued a statement highlighting similar issues, citing reports of police torture, abductions, and even killings during the ongoing Ondoa Jangili operation in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

The commission urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure that all officers involved in these violations face legal action.

Aerial view of an administrative office on fire at Pumwani on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. /MAJI MAJI