The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of a police officer captured on camera shooting an unarmed hawker at close range during Tuesday’s peaceful protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
In an official statement issued by NPS Spokesperson Muchi Nyaga, the Service expressed “great concern” over the incident, which has since gone viral and sparked widespread public outrage. The officer, who was seen firing an anti-riot shotgun at the civilian, has already been arrested and is set to be arraigned in court.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer,” the statement read.
Contrary to earlier reports that the hawker had died, the NPS clarified that the victim was taken to hospital and is currently receiving medical attention.
At the same time, the police raised alarm over what it termed as the presence of “goons armed with crude weapons” among demonstrators. The NPS said it does not condone such unlawful behavior and assured the public that investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for any acts of violence during the protests.
The peaceful demonstration had been organized by human rights activists demanding justice for blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody. The shooting of the hawker — now identified by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo as a resident of Homa Bay — drew sharp condemnation from lawmakers and civil society.
