Raila Condemns Police Shooting of Nairobi Hawker, Demands Urgent Action
The victim, who was selling face masks, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga. Photo/The Standard Kenya.
By Atieno Sysvoline
ODM leader Raila Odinga has condemned a police shooting that left a hawker critically injured in Nairobi’s CBD during a protest, calling it a dangerous sign of growing police impunity.
The incident, which occurred amid protests over the death of protester Albert Ojwang, was captured in a viral video showing a police officer shooting the unarmed hawker at close range.
The victim, who was selling face masks, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery.
Speaking on Tuesday, Raila described the video as “horrific” and urged President William Ruto to take immediate action to stop police brutality. “We cannot allow a culture where police treat every protester as a criminal. Accountability must be swift and transparent,” he said.
Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that the hawker required intensive surgical care and was admitted to ICU due to the severity of his injuries.
The National Police Service, under the directive of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, has since arrested the officer involved. While no charges have been formally announced, authorities say the officer will be prosecuted.
Odinga’s remarks echo growing public concern about excessive police force during protests. Civil rights activists warn that unless urgent reforms are undertaken, Kenya risks spiraling into lawlessness driven by distrust in law enforcement.
As the hawker’s condition remains uncertain, calls for justice and police reform continue to intensify, with many Kenyans demanding systemic changes to curb abuse of power by officers.
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