Public Outrage as Unarmed Vendor Shot by Police in Nairobi; Officer Arrested
The shooting was captured on camera and widely shared across social media platforms, triggering an avalanche of outrage and calls for accountability.
Public outrage erupts after viral video shows police officer shooting unarmed vendor during protests on Moi Avenue, Nairobi. Photo/Courtesy.
By Maxwell Maungu
Public fury is sweeping across the country after a disturbing video surfaced showing a police officer shooting an unarmed vendor during a protest along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The victim, a vendor selling face masks, was shot in the head at close range by an anti-riot police officer during a protest demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
The shooting was captured on camera and widely shared across social media platforms, triggering an avalanche of outrage and calls for accountability.
In a swift response, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrest of the officer involved. According to police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer used an anti-riot shotgun during the altercation, injuring the civilian who is now receiving treatment in hospital.
“Following this incident, the Inspector General of the National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” said Nyaga in a statement released Tuesday night.
The officer’s identity remains undisclosed as investigations continue.
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns about excessive force by Kenyan police, especially during public demonstrations. Human rights groups have condemned the shooting, with many Kenyans taking to social media using hashtags like #StopPoliceBrutality and #JusticeForTheVendor.
Meanwhile, the NPS has also raised concerns about what it termed as the presence of “goons armed with crude weapons” who allegedly infiltrated the protests.
“The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly according to the law,” Nyaga added, noting that investigations have been launched to identify and prosecute any criminal elements involved.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to release an official statement but is expected to step in amid growing pressure for transparency.
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