Court sets free student caught on camera assaulting traffic police

A university student who was in June 2024, charged with seriously assaulting a police officer, has been freed by a magistrate after the traffic officer forgave him.

Ian Njoroge was set to liberty on Thursday by Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi.

This was after the law enforcer, Mr Jacob Ogendo, forgave the student.

Mr Ogendo told the magistrate he has voluntarily chosen to terminate the case against Njoroge.

“What do you wish this court to do with this case against Ian Njoroge?” prosecuting counsel Sonia Njoki asked Mr Ogendo.

Responded Mr Ogendo," I urge this court to  withdraw the case against the accused herein-Ian Njoroge. I do not wish to pursue it. I urge this court to terminate it," Mr Ogendo told the magistrate.

Ms Njoki asked the law enforcer if he was compelled or coerced or compromised to withdraw the case against Njoroge.

In response, the officer answered that he was willingly withdrawing the case against the student.

"l'm also a parent and l have decided to forgive the accused. He is the age of my children. I therefore urge the court to terminate the case against (Ian) Njoroge to enable him to concentrate on his studies," he said.

The traffic law enforcer also told the court that he has also opted not to pursue the issue of his lost phone.

Ms Njoki told the court she is not opposed to the plea to withdraw the case against Njoroge.

In his brief ruling Mr Ekhubi allowed Mr Ogendo to officially withdraw the case against Ian Njoroge, a Gen Z youth who was caught on video assaulting the police officer at Kamiti Road within Kasarani sub-County on June 2, 2024.

Mr Ekhubi noted that Mr Ogendo stated that he made the decision voluntarily to forgive the accused.

The magistrate said the Constitution encourages reconciliation to enhance the society's cohesiveness. 

Mr Ekhubi lauded the officer for his decision to terminate the case given that “as a parent myself, I believe young people deserve a second chance”.

The magistrate further acknowledged that former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko had reached out to the officer--applicant--and encouraged him to pardon (Ian) Njoroge so that he can pursue his studies without the case hanging on his neck.

"I hereby allow the applicant to withdraw this case, " Mr Ekhubi ruled.

The magistrate directed the cash bail deposited in court be returned to the depositor.

Despite dropping the case, Mr Ogendo said that he incurred significant medical expenses due to the injuries sustained from the assault and remains under medication, which he will continue to fund personally.

He also said he won't pursue his mobile phone and money which he lost during the attack while on duty.

The court informed Mr Ogendo that once he withdraws the case, it could not be reopened in the future, a condition he accepted.

On his part, (Ian) Njoroge expressed remorse for his actions and pleaded for forgiveness, promising not to repeat his mistakes. He was accompanied by his parents in court when the case was terminated.

He was caught on camera raining blows and kicks to the officer who had flagged him to stop.

Mr Ogendo was on duty along the busy Kamiti Road.