Civil Rights Groups Slam NPS Over Alleged Complicity in Protest Violence
The protests, part of a broader movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, stem from growing discontent over governance and police actions.
Kenyan civil rights groups slam NPS for alleged complicity in violent infiltration of Nairobi protests, issuing condemnation on June 18, 2025. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Brian Kiplimo
A coalition of Kenyan civil rights organizations, including the Police Reforms Working Group, Amnesty International Kenya, and the Katiba Institute, has fiercely criticized the National Police Service (NPS) for allegedly allowing violent groups to infiltrate peaceful protests with police complicity.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:34 PM EAT, the coalition condemned the police’s failure to protect demonstrators during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi.
The unrest resulted in one unarmed bystander’s death and injuries to at least 24 others, including five with gunshot wounds. Property damage was reported across Nairobi’s Central Business District, impacting businesses and public infrastructure.
The protests, part of a broader movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, stem from growing discontent over governance and police actions. Despite prior warnings on June 17 to uphold human rights, the coalition claims the NPS did not intervene.
The statement highlighted evidence of masked agitators, armed with tyre whips, wooden batons, and knives, being mobilized and deployed to target government critics, with police either standing by or collaborating.
Incidents were noted on Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, and near the Railways Club, with some attackers thanking Nairobi Governor for “undisclosed support.”
As of 8:00 PM Tuesday, no arrests were reported despite coalition visits to Central and Kamukunji Police Stations, raising concerns about police accountability.
The coalition demands the identification and prosecution of the officer responsible for the bystander’s death, the names of commanding officers, and non-interference by political leaders in investigations.
While criticizing police conduct, the group praised medical workers, legal advocates, and monitors for upholding rights. As of Wednesday evening, neither the NPS nor the Nairobi Governor’s Office has responded to the allegations.
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