The police officer responsible for Tuesday’s shooting on Moi Avenue, where an unarmed mask vendor was critically injured. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrest, stating the officer discharged an anti-riot shotgun, striking the man in the head at close range.
The victim, initially presumed dead, was quickly rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical attention, according to police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga. This incident, captured on camera and widely circulated online, has ignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct during demonstrations.
“Following this incident, the Inspector General National Police Service ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” Nyaga stated. The shooting occurred as anti-riot police were responding to protests within Nairobi’s central business district, which were sparked by the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ on June 8 while in a holding cell at the Central police station.
Meanwhile, the NPS has expressed concern over the presence of what they termed “a group of goons armed with crude weapons” among the demonstrators, vowing to take firm action against them. “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,” Nyaga added.
However, the NPS’s decision not to release the identity of the arrested officer has led to a wave of questions online, with many demanding verifiable proof of the arrest.
Doubts have also surfaced regarding the NPS’s commitment to “firmly handle” the alleged goons, especially after footage widely shared online showed a group wielding clubs and riding motorbikes, seemingly unhindered by police presence.
