Ian Njoroge apologises to police officer he assaulted

Ian Njoroge, the young man who was captured on tape assaulting a traffic police officer along Kamiti Road in Mirema, has apologised.

Speaking in the presence of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and his parents, Njoroge said he was sorry for his actions and would never repeat them.

"I would like to take this chance to offer my apologies to the state and also Mr Jacob Ogendo. I am really sorry and it will never happen again. I am just saying I am really sorry," he said.

Njoroge’s mother also apologized on behalf of her son and thanked Sonko for standing with them when they were in need.

"I am very sorry. And to you Mr Mike Sonko, mheshimiwa, thank you so much for coming in handy when I needed that help."

"May the Lord God bless you," she said.

Sonko, on his part, said Njoroge was a young man who erred but he had learnt his lesson. He added that they had talked about the incident at length and asked the public to forgive him.

"Makosa imefanyika, huyu ni mtoto mdogo, wengi wetu ni wazazi na watoto hukosea. Hatumforce Ian ku apologize, but tumeongea na yeye he is regretting what he did na mimi ameniassure haitafanya tena." 

"I will take on Ian going forward. Sijui Ian, sijui wazazi wake but as a leader on behalf of this family on behalf of Ian wea apologize to the public, we apologize to the National Police Service, all the officers countrywide in uniform,” said Sonko.

Last week, Njoroge, 19, appeared before Milimani principal magistrate Benmark Ekhubi to face criminal charges of causing grievous harm, robbery with violence, and resisting arrest.

He informed the court that the officers who arrested him at his house handled him in an inhumane manner by molesting, hurling insults, and beating him up.

He was released on a bond of Sh700,000 after the magistrate noted that the prosecution's claim that he was in danger if released because other officers wanted revenge was not sufficient to have him detained.