NPS Condemns Petrol Attack on Woman in Mwiki, Assaults on Traffic Officers

The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned a series of violent incidents reported in different parts of Nairobi within the last 24 hours, including a petrol attack on a woman in Mwiki and assaults on traffic police officers in Lang’ata and Embakasi.

In a press statement issued on May 17, 2026, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the incidents were under investigation and warned that anyone found attacking police officers or obstructing them while on duty would face the full force of the law.

According to the statement, the first incident occurred on Friday, May 16, in the Mwiki area of Kasarani Sub-county, where a woman was fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital after being doused with petrol and set ablaze.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack may have been linked to the woman’s political views, which allegedly displeased her attackers. Police said a specialized team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had been assigned to handle the matter.

In a separate incident, a video circulating widely on social media showed a motorist confronting and physically assaulting a traffic police officer on duty in the Embakasi area.

Police said the officer involved had already been identified and due process was underway.

The third incident took place in the Lang’ata area, where members of a Metro Shuttle bus crew allegedly assaulted a traffic officer who was enforcing the law. The crew members were later arrested and the bus impounded.

The police service strongly condemned all three incidents, describing attacks on officers and members of the public as unacceptable.

“NPS condemns all three incidents in the strongest possible terms. Political intolerance has no place in competitive politics, our democracy, or our laws. Furthermore, any attack—whether verbal, physical, or otherwise—against a police officer is an affront to the rule of law and undermines the integrity and dignity of the National Police Service,” the statement read.

The service also commended officers involved for their restraint and professionalism, urging members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers to maintain order and public safety.

Police further warned that severe legal action would be taken against individuals who undermine police authority or attempt to interfere with officers carrying out their duties.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents was urged to report to the nearest police station or contact authorities anonymously through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, #FichuaKwaDCI, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.

The statement was signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication and spokesperson for the National Police Service.