Nairobi Matatu Tout Filmed Assaulting Traffic Police Officer Presented In Court

• A matatu tout alleged to have been captured in a viral clip assaulting a police officer was on Wednesday, September 4, arrainged in court
• Alex Kirigu Ateya appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Eric Otieno Wambo, where he was charged with assault
• He denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of KSh 20,000 despite his lawyer pleading for lenient bail terms

Nairobi – A Matatu tout captured in a viral video having an altercation with a traffic police officer was arraigned in court on Wednesday, September 4.

The route number 33 matatu tout, Alex Kirigu Ateya, was charged with assault.

A charge sheet seen by TUKO.co.ke shows that Ateya is alleged to have committed the crime on Tuesday, September 3, at around 11am at River Road in Nairobi.

The prosecution told the court that the accused unlawfully and willfully assaulted Seargent Isaac Kiprono, who was, at the time of the incident, acting in due execution of his duties as a police officer.

In addition, the prosecution argues that Ateya’s actions violated Section 103(a) of the National Police Act.

The accused appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Eric Otieno Wambo, where he denied the charge.

His lawyer pleaded with the court to grant him lenient bail terms, stating that his client earns less than KSh 300 a day. He was later freed on a cash bail of KSh 20,000.

How Nairobi matatu tout assaulted police officer

In the viral video that was widely shared on various social media platforms, a man who resembles the accused can be seen in a physical confrontation with police officers trying to restrain him.

The prosecution intends to call close to five witnesses in the case.

The matter will be mentioned on September 18.

Nairobi traffic cop injured in clash with matatu crew

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that a dramatic scene unfolded along River Road in the central business district following an altercation involving a matatu crew and traffic police.

Footage shows the officer clutching his head in pain as a civilian directs him to a motorbike to leave the scene.

Police officers arrived to manage the situation, the cause of which remains unclear, while some of the civilian matatu crew continued to cause disturbance.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke