Corporal Jacob Ogendo, the traffic police officer who was assaulted by Ian Njoroge has said that he is ready to forgive him.
This is after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko intervened in the case after receiving a distress call from Ruth Nyambura Mbaraga, Ian Njoroge’s mother.
In a recorded phone call shared on Wednesday, June 5, the former Nairobi Governor was heard pleading for forgiveness from Corporal Ogendo on behalf of the family.
He also revealed that the assaulted officer was once his bodyguard when he was the Member of Parliament for Buru Buru Constituency.
In his response, the assaulted cop said he was ready to forgive Njoroge for his actions despite the trauma he has gone through.
“Whatever you say I will accept even though I am hurt and if it is about forgiveness I am ready for it,” the officer said.
However, the family is expected to issue a public apology to both Ogendo and the police force.
Police Officer Finally Speaks
In response to allegations that he solicited a bribe moments before the assault incident, the cop denied claims made by the defendants.
“I did not request any money from the motorist,” he said.
Earlier, Ian Njoroge’s mother revealed that the police officer had demanded for Ksh10,000 bribe from her son who couldn’t raise the cash.
She added that Njoroge made a U-turn since he was rushing to bring the car back home before church time.
Also Read: I Dedicated Him to Church, Ian Njoroge’s Mother Speaks on Son’s Untold Life
“He told me he was asked for Ksh10,000 which he didn’t have. He said he was going to call his friends so that they can raise Ksh5,000 for him Ksh5,000 but the police refused,” she said.
“When he was around there some matatu guys came and told the police to give him the key. Because he has really pleaded with the policeman, he became agitated.”
Also Read: Ian Njoroge: Lawyers Produce Evidence Accusing Police of Harassing Suspect
Ian Njoroge Charged in Court
On June 4, Njoroge was arraigned in court where he was charged with three counts including robbery with violence, resisting arrest and causing grievous harm to a police officer.
“IAN NGIGE NJOROGE, On the 2nd day of June 2024 at Kamiti Road in Kasarani Sub County within Nairobi County jointly with others not before court robbed No. 67839 Cpl. Jacob Ogendo of battery of police communication gadget and mobile phone make Samsung galaxy note 1 valued at Ksh. 50,000/- and immediately before or immediately after the time of such robbery wounded the said No. 67839 Cpl. Jacob Ogendo,” reads part of the charge sheet.
Magistrate Ben Mark also directed for Njoroge to be escorted to Kenyatta Hospital, accompanied by a parent for medical attention.
Njoroge is a first-year student at the Technical University of Kenya.
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