The victim, identified as a face mask vendor, was struck in the head with what appeared to be a shotgun by an officer whose face was concealed by a mask. Reports indicate the man was a vendor caught up in a confrontation with two officers on a Nairobi sidewalk and was shot as he walked away. He was rushed to Kenya's largest referral government hospital and is reportedly in critical condition, undergoing surgery, with severe head injuries. At least 10 other people were injured in the day's demonstrations, some with gunshot wounds.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed late Tuesday that the officer involved had been arrested, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordering the immediate arrest and arraignment in court. The NPS stated it "does not condone such unlawful groupings" after reports emerged of pro-government "goons" on motorbikes, armed with whips and clubs, attacking protesters and passersby, often in the presence of police. Witnesses and human rights groups claimed police actively protected or even directed these armed men.
Yesterday's protests, which also saw clashes between demonstrators and police firing tear gas and protesters setting motorbikes ablaze, were sparked by the death of 31-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. Ojwang was arrested on June 6th after allegedly criticizing Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat on social media and died in custody two days later. While police initially claimed he had committed suicide, an independent autopsy revealed blunt force trauma and other injuries "unlikely to be self-inflicted," leading President William Ruto to admit Ojwang had died "at the hands of the police." Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat stepped aside on Monday to allow for investigations.
The incident comes as Kenya marks a year since massive, Gen Z-led protests against tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024, which also saw widespread police brutality and dozens of fatalities. Human rights groups and a Police Reforms Working Group have strongly condemned the police conduct in the latest demonstrations, calling for urgent action to address misconduct and restore accountability. They noted concerns about deliberate infiltration by violent agitators and the apparent collaboration between police and these groups.
The shooting has reignited national debate over persistent police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya, issues President William Ruto had previously vowed to end. Further protests are reportedly scheduled for June 24th.
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