Suba North Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo has revealed that the man who was shot by police in Nairobi during the Tuesday, June 17, 2025, protests was also from Homa Bay County, the same region where the late Albert Ojwang hailed from.
Odhiambo made the revelation while addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, stating that she had just received information confirming that the slain man was not only a peaceful vendor but also from her constituency in Suba.
“Madam Speaker, it would be careless on my part if I did not say that I have just learnt that the young man I am talking about is also from Homa Bay and actually from Suba,” she said.
The man was fatally shot during protests held in honour of Albert Ojwang, a young man who died while in police custody.
Odhiambo criticised the ongoing police brutality witnessed during peaceful demonstrations, warning fellow lawmakers against endorsing violence by remaining silent.
She stated that it would have been a matter of national disgrace for her if she had earlier advocated that police should not be restrained from shooting protesters, emphasising that leaders must always champion authentic causes.
“That is why we must stand on principles. Can you imagine if I were speaking here in this Parliament carelessly, saying that it is okay for police to shoot people? It does not matter. He was actually selling masks because people were protesting,” she added.
Officer arrested
In the wake of widespread outrage over the shooting, the National Police Service has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers who was captured on film firing at an unarmed civilian at close range during protests in the Central Business District (CBD).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, by spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer was said to have already been apprehended and will be arraigned in court.
“The National Police Service has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun within the Nairobi CBD. The said police officer has since been arrested,” the statement read.
Shooting incident
The protests were part of the nationwide demonstrations demanding justice over the death of teacher and digital activist Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month.
The video of the shooting went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. In the clip, the officer is seen aiming and firing at the civilian from close range with an anti-riot weapon, despite no apparent threat posed by the protester.
Condemnation of violence
In the same statement, the police service condemned what it described as the presence of a group of goons armed with crude weapons who allegedly infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations.
“The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly,” added Nyaga.
