On the evening of March 5, 2025, tragedy struck Nairobi’s Majengo area when 17-year-old Ibrahim Ramadhan, a Form Four student at Kamukunji Secondary School, was fatally shot by a police officer around 8:30 p.m. as he returned from a nearby mosque.
Eyewitnesses reported that an undercover officer, known locally for extortion, attempted to solicit a bribe from youths near the Majengo Social Hall. When they resisted, a confrontation ensued, prompting the officer to flee. During his escape, he encountered Ibrahim and his friends, leading to an altercation during which the officer allegedly fired his weapon, striking Ibrahim in the head.
Ibrahim’s mother, Khadija Ramadhan, recounted that upon hearing gunfire, she rushed outside to assess the situation. Ibrahim found her, ensured her safety and then returned to the mosque to pray. Minutes later, a young boy informed her that her son had been shot. She found Ibrahim lying on the ground and with neighbors’ help, transported him to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries hours later.
“Alipigwa risasi jana muda wa saa mbili unusu, kijana alikuwa anatoka msikitini,” said Ibrahim’s mother.
The incident sparked immediate outrage among Majengo residents. Protests erupted, with demonstrators setting fire to a police vehicle and officers’ houses and barricading roads.
Anti-riot police were deployed, leading to violent clashes that resulted in additional casualties. Reports indicate that several individuals were injured and at least two more fatalities occurred during the unrest.
Human rights organizations condemned the use of lethal force by police and called for accountability. The Kenya Human Rights Commission emphasized the need for an immediate investigation to ensure justice and highlighted the importance of upholding the right to protest.
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan expressed deep sorrow over Ibrahim’s death, describing it as a senseless killing. He called for swift action from IPOA to ensure justice and stressed the urgency of addressing police accountability to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the broader implications of police conduct and community relations in Nairobi.
