Police Constable Emily Kinya, who was assaulted by protesters during last Wednesday’s demonstrations in Nairobi, has broken her silence, recounting the terrifying moments that left her wounded and shaken.
Kinya was stationed along Muindi Mbingu Street with fellow unarmed officers, tasked with managing crowds that had gathered to commemorate the anniversary of last year’s anti-government protests. However, the situation quickly spiralled out of control.
Speaking from her hospital bed where she is undergoing treatment, Kinya described how the demonstrators overpowered them.
“We were retreating when I was struck on the foot, causing me to fall. That’s when they caught up with me,” she narrated.
Having served in the National Police Service since 2013, Kinya recalled the frightening moment when some of the demonstrators encouraged others to take her life as she lay defenceless.
“Fortunately, a few tried to protect me, but others kept attacking me while chanting, ‘Let’s kill her. They’ve killed one of us.’”
The mother of two sustained head injuries and soft tissue damage to her foot during the incident. She also lost her phone and police gear amid the chaos. Eventually, a few protesters came to her aid and carried her to an ambulance as she bled.
Kinya expressed concern for her children, saying they have been deeply affected by the incident.
“We are human beings as well. Our lives are valuable,” she said, describing the experience as deeply distressing and hard to process.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has since condemned the assault on Kinya and cautioned against violence directed at police officers. He also reiterated his controversial position that police should defend themselves using their firearms if necessary.
“If someone comes to seize a police station, take weapons, or threaten an officer’s life — shoot him,” Murkomen said, addressing members of the police.
The incident has added fuel to the already tense debate surrounding police and civilian relations, especially following the recent protests that have been marred by violence.
Authorities have launched investigations into the attack, with promises that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
By Were Kelly | Published: June 28, 2025
