Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has denounced the killing of an unarmed hawker who was shot by police in broad daylight along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Raila described the incident as horrifying and inexcusable.
He said the shooting of an innocent, unarmed civilian was proof that the country’s police force had gone rogue.
He reminded the government that Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully and urged President William Ruto to take immediate action to stop the escalating violence.
“I strongly condemn the killing of an unarmed hawker selling masks in Nairobi’s Central Business District today. The viral video circulating on social media is horrifying to watch. Our police officers have completely gone rogue. There was no imminent threat posed to the officer, yet he chose to use excessive and lethal force against an innocent civilia,” Raila stated.
The opposition leader warned that continued brutality by law enforcement could push the country into deeper unrest unless urgent accountability measures are put in place.
He called on President William Ruto to urgently intervene and take decisive action to stop what he described as a growing culture of police impunity.
“Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, and I call upon the President to urgently address this escalating situation before it spirals out of control. The continued use of violence by law enforcement against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must be met with immediate accountability,” he added.
The shooting took place along Moi Avenue during the demonstrations. According to eyewitnesses and video evidence, the hawker was cornered by two police officers while carrying out his business of selling face masks.
Despite showing no resistance or aggression, the officers began assaulting him, kicking and punching him as he tried to back away.
Moments later, one of the officers was seen raising his gun already cocked and without hesitation, pulled the trigger.
The bullet hit the hawker at close range. Horrified pedestrians screamed as the officer fled on foot, leaving behind chaos and disbelief.
The shooting happened in broad daylight, in full view of the public, sparking immediate outrage online and on the streets.
