- A police officer caught on video shooting a street vendor has been arrested.
- The incident took place during Tuesday’s protests along Moi Avenue, Nairobi.
- Video of the shooting sparked massive public anger online.
- The officer acted on his own and will be taken to court.
- Police also blamed armed criminals for turning peaceful demos into chaos.
- The injured vendor is in the hospital as pressure mounts for police reforms.
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of a police officer who shot an unarmed street vendor during anti-government protests held in Nairobi’s CBD on Tuesday. The order to arrest him came directly from Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
Though the officer’s name and photo were not made public, NPS says he will face justice in court.
The shooting happened along Moi Avenue, right in the middle of Nairobi town. A video that captured the moment went viral online. In the footage, two police officers can be seen roughing up a helpless man selling masks, before one of them fired at him at close range using an anti-riot gun.
“The IG ordered the arrest and prosecution of the officer. He has already been arrested,” NPS said in a statement issued by spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
The protest, which started calmly with demonstrators calling for the resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat, later turned chaotic. NPS said the peaceful march was disrupted by goons armed with crude weapons, whom they described as criminals hiding among protestors.
“We saw groups of armed goons take part in the protest. The Service does not tolerate illegal groupings and will take action,” the statement added.
Victim Still Hospitalised
The street vendor who was shot was quickly taken to the hospital, where he is still receiving treatment. His current condition has not been shared, but the incident has triggered widespread condemnation and fresh calls for justice.
This case comes just days after the controversial death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody. Civil society groups are now stepping up calls for urgent police reforms and the protection of protestors’ rights.
The National Police Service has insisted that they are committed to serving Kenyans within the law and promised to pursue justice in this case.
