Two boda boda riders were shot and killed by a police officer following a road accident in Thika Town on Sunday morning, an incident that led to a mob burning the officer’s car.

The confrontation began near Makongeni police station after an officer, who was driving a private car, was involved in an accident with a rider and a pillion passenger.

According to witnesses, the officer, who blamed the rider for the incident, attempted to drive away from the scene after determining there were no injuries.

However, a group of riders, who believed the officer was at fault, pursued him a short distance and forced him to stop.

Witnesses claim the officer felt threatened by the large group, prompting him to get out of his car with a firearm. In the ensuing confrontation, he opened fire, killing two riders on the spot.

As other riders fled, they quickly regrouped and returned in large numbers. The angry mob began to hurl objects at the officer, who then withdrew from his car.

The group proceeded to set the Audi sedan on fire, which was completely destroyed.

Police responded to the scene and managed to disarm and detain their colleague, who is now being held at the station pending an investigation.

Meanwhile, other riders staged a protest demanding justice.

Kiambu Police Commander Doris Mugambi has urged boda boda riders not to take the law into their own hands.

She noted a rising trend of riders being involved in crime, citing recent incidents where similar crowds have set vehicles on fire after accidents.