New Year’s Day Shooting in Nairobi Leaves U.S.-Based Professor Injured

A Kenyan-born American professor visiting Nairobi on vacation was shot and injured by a police officer early Monday morning in Ngara, Nairobi, following a traffic incident.

According to authorities, the professor was among motorists driving on the wrong side of the road near the Globe Roundabout-Slip Road junction. Officers on patrol attempted to control the post-New Year’s Day traffic flow and approached the professor’s vehicle to inquire about the driving violation.

The police report claims that the professor then exited his car and allegedly attacked one of the officers. A struggle ensued, resulting in the officer discharging his AK-47 rifle, accidentally hitting the professor in both thighs. The professor then fled in his vehicle towards University Way.

Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was accidental. The professor, currently in stable condition at the Nairobi Hospital, will be interviewed by detectives to provide his account of the incident.

Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei confirmed the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of gathering all sides of the story before reaching conclusions. “He has his side of the story which will set things in motion,” another officer involved in the case stated.