The police officer who shot an unarmed mask vendor during Tuesday’s anti-government protests in Nairobi has been arrested, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed.
In a press statement issued from the Office of the Inspector General, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the officer was apprehended following a directive by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja. The officer’s identity, however, was not disclosed, and no image of the arrest was released to the public.
The shooting, which occurred along Moi Avenue in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District, was captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparking national outrage. The footage shows two anti-riot officers confronting and brutally assaulting a defenseless street vendor before one of them fires a close-range shot using an anti-riot shotgun.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” the NPS stated.
The protests, initially peaceful and organized to demand the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, descended into chaos after the infiltration of goons armed with crude weapons. The NPS condemned the presence of these individuals, describing them as criminal elements who would be dealt with firmly under the law.
“NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings,” the statement read. “Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly.”
The injured vendor was rushed to hospital and is currently receiving medical attention, authorities confirmed.
This latest incident comes amid rising tensions over police conduct in Kenya, following a string of brutality cases, including the high-profile death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody. Civil society groups have renewed calls for police accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights during protests.
The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to upholding the law and assured the public that justice would be served in the case of the assaulted vendor.
Written By Rodney Mbua
