Just days after national outrage over the mysterious death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, Kenyans, particularly Gen Z, took to the streets demanding justice and accountability.
But the protests led to yet another shocking incident.
On Tuesday 17th June 2025, during demonstrations along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s CBD, a hawker selling face masks was shot at point-blank range by an anti-riot police officer despite having surrendered and appearing unarmed.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, two police officers are seen cornering the hawker, assaulting him, and then one officer fully armed and already having cocked his gun opens fire. Moments later, good Samaritans rushed in to carry the injured man in a desperate attempt to save his life.
The footage has triggered fresh outrage online and offline, with Kenyans calling out the continued use of excessive force. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo called the incident “unacceptable.”
The National Police Service later issued a statement claiming the officer responsible had been arrested. But many Kenyans remain skeptical.
“Are we supposed to trust the same police who issued a false statement about Albert Ojwang’s death?” asked one Kenyan on Twitter.
With each passing day, the relationship between citizens and the police appears to be eroding further. For many, it no longer feels like isolated incidents but a pattern. A system. A signal that reforms may just be a performance, while brutality remains the norm.
“The streets are speaking louder than ever, but those meant to listen are firing back,” lamented a frustrated protester, visibly shaken after witnessing a peaceful demonstrator get shot at close range.
