This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Published on August 27, 2019, a High Court judge in Kenya narrowly escaped harm after police in Nairobi opened fire on his vehicle in Kileleshwa, following reports of a possible hijacking.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when the judge's wife called the police, suspecting that her husband had been carjacked. The judge had called her at around 10pm to say he would be home shortly, but he did not return for more than six hours.
His wife later drove to Kilimani Police Station and filed a formal report. The police then circulated the details of the vehicle, which had a tracking device, and ordered officers on patrol to intercept it.
At around 6am, the car was spotted in Kileleshwa, and officers moved to stop it. They opened fire and deflated the right tyre, bringing it to a halt. When they approached the car, they found the judge, who was looking tired, behind the wheel.
He identified himself to the officers and told them he had not been carjacked. The judge was driven to his residence after his wife arrived at the scene. The vehicle was later towed to Kilimani Police Station.
Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said no one was injured during the incident, adding that the matter was being handled 'professionally'. Police also said they are investigating the incident with intentions of taking action.
