Killer Cop Arrested as Police Service Releases Statement
The officer allegedly opened fire during what was described as a routine patrol, killing a 22-year-old man identified as Brian Odhiambo.
Police officer arrested over fatal shooting of civilian, igniting public outcry and fresh demands for accountability in the National Police Service. Photo/Courtesy.
Ruth Sang
A police officer accused of fatally shooting a civilian under questionable circumstances has been arrested, sparking public outcry and renewed calls for accountability within the National Police Service.
The officer, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigations, was taken into custody on Monday night.
According to a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS), the arrest follows a swift internal probe into the incident that occurred over the weekend in Nairobi’s Kayole area.
The officer allegedly opened fire during what was described as a routine patrol, killing a 22-year-old man identified as Brian Odhiambo.
“The officer involved in the incident has been disarmed, arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue,” read part of the statement signed by Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango. “The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all officers act within the confines of the Constitution and respect for human life.”
Eyewitnesses told local media that the officer appeared intoxicated and had been harassing residents earlier in the evening. “He was shouting and pointing his gun at people,” said Peter Mwangi, a local boda boda rider. “It’s not the first time this has happened in our area.”
The family of the deceased has demanded justice and a speedy investigation. “Brian was just coming from the shop when he was shot. He was unarmed and posed no threat,” said his mother, Mary Atieno. “We want justice for our son.”
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, condemned the shooting and urged the government to implement long-overdue police reforms. “We cannot continue to normalize extrajudicial killings. The be a license to kill,” said Executive Director Irungu Houghton.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that it had launched an independent inquiry into the matter and promised transparency. “We are collecting evidence and statements from witnesses. Any officer found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori.
This incident comes amid rising concerns about police brutality in Kenya, with recent reports showing an increase in cases involving excessive use of force.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court within the week as investigations continue.
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