The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has strongly condemned police brutality and lawlessness witnessed during the June 17 protests sparked by the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the commission confirmed that 22 people were injured, including a peaceful protester who was shot at close range by police along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
The victim is currently in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. Other injuries ranged from gunshot wounds and whiplashes to asthma attacks triggered by teargas.
Rights violated
According to KNCHR, the demonstrations, which took place across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, were largely peaceful. However, the commission documented the violent response by police and the arrest of four Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Mombasa despite their compliance with legal protest procedures.
“The commission condemns the arrest of protestors, including four Human Rights Defenders in Mombasa despite being peaceful and having duly notified the police in line with the law. The commission calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the protestors,” KNCHR noted.
The commission raised alarm over the deployment of masked gangs on motorbikes, allegedly hired to disrupt the protests. These individuals were seen assaulting and robbing demonstrators and civilians using tyre whips, crude weapons, and wooden bars.
The situation prompted widespread panic, with several businesses in Nairobi’s CBD shutting down following incidents of looting and vandalism.
KNCHR also criticized police officers for concealing their identity by covering their faces and removing registration numbers from their vehicles, actions that violate a court ruling requiring officers assigned to protests to remain identifiable.
“When those charged with maintaining law and order break the law with such impunity, they encourage citizens to disobey the law,” the commission stated.
