A masked police officer shot an unarmed bystander at close range during protests in Nairobi on Tuesday, igniting public anger and renewed calls for accountability. The protests followed the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after a defamation complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat.
An Associated Press journalist witnessed the shooting, describing the victim as a vendor holding a packet of face masks. He was reportedly shot in the head while walking away from officers. He is now being treated for serious injuries at the country’s largest public hospital, along with 10 other injured demonstrators.
Police acknowledged the incident and stated the officer responsible had been arrested.
The protests escalated as citizens clashed with police while demanding Langat’s arrest. Langat has since stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed. Two other officers linked to Ojwang’s detention Samson Talam and James Mukhwana were arrested the previous week.
Violence erupted when motorcycle riders targeted protestors and passersby, leading to theft, injuries, and the burning of a motorbike.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Kenya’s record on police brutality. Despite President William Ruto’s pledges to end extrajudicial killings, last year’s protests over a finance bill also saw multiple activists abducted and killed, prompting fresh calls for change and for Ruto’s removal.
