Ian Njoroge, a 19-year-old student at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has been given a second chance after a traffic police officer withdrew an assault case against him.
The officer, Jacob Ogendo, made the decision voluntarily, saying he reflected on the situation as a parent and chose to forgive Ian.
The Ian Njoroge Incident
The case gained national attention after a video surfaced of Ian Njoroge assaulting the officer in Kasarani. The June 2024 incident occurred in Kasarani, Nairobi.
In the viral footage, Ian was seen aggressively punching and kicking traffic police officer Jacob Ogendo during what appeared to be a heated altercation.
The officer attempted to restrain him, but Ian overpowered him, landing multiple blows. At some point, Ian allegedly took the officer’s mobile phone, valued at KSh 50,000.
Ian Njoroge was arrested and reportedly molested. And he was charged with multiple offenses, including resisting arrest, robbery with violence, and causing grievous harm. He was later granted a KSh 700,000 bond, which was secured with a vehicle logbook provided by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
During a court session at the Milimani Law Courts, Officer Ogendo announced his decision to drop the case. He stated that he has reflected on the incident from a parent’s perspective and decided to forgive Ian.
Ogendo believes young people deserve another chance.
He also revealed that Sonko had reached out to him, asking him to consider pardoning the young man.
Despite forgiving Ian, Ogendo admitted that the attack left him with serious injuries, leading to high medical expenses. He confirmed that he would continue funding his treatment personally.
Additionally, he forfeited both his mobile phone and the money he lost during the altercation
Despite his release, Ian’s actions sparked debate among Kenyans. Some believe forgiving him was the right thing to do, while others argue that attacking a police officer should have had serious consequences.
The court warned the public against violence towards law enforcement officers.
By Vivian K.