A police officer has come under heavy criticism after being caught on camera shooting an unarmed vendor at close range in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
The shocking incident occurred during a protest on Mondlane Street, near Imenti House, as demonstrators gathered to demand accountability following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody.
The Incident
In video footage seen by Kwetucollections.co.ke, the police officer was first seen running from Moi Avenue, where a group of officers had been stationed opposite Nairobi Sports Centre. The officer charged towards a group of protesters along Mondlane Street and fired a shot, which did not hit anyone at that moment.
Shortly after, he and a colleague confronted a man who was reportedly selling face masks near the scene. Instead of moving past the vendor, one officer slapped him, while the other struck him with the butt of his gun. Then, in a disturbing turn, the first officer aimed his firearm directly at the vendor and shot him at close range.
Aftermath
Images circulating on social media show the man bleeding from his upper body, his hands still clutching a packet of face masks. Quick-thinking protesters rushed the wounded vendor to Bliss Medical Centre for urgent medical assistance.
The shooting has sparked widespread outrage, with human rights activists, civil society groups, and members of the public calling for immediate action and justice for the victim.
“We came out today to demand accountability, and the police responded with even more brutality. This must end,” said a protester who witnessed the shooting.
Chaos During the Protest
The protests, meant to peacefully demand accountability from Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, turned chaotic even before the shooting occurred.
Eyewitnesses report that groups of individuals on motorcycles—believed to be hired goons—invaded the CBD, shouting that no protests would be allowed in the city. Armed with clubs, knives, and other crude weapons, they targeted protesters and bystanders alike, snatching handbags, phones, and other valuables.
Disturbingly, several videos shared online appeared to show the alleged goons coordinating with anti-riot police officers to break up the protest.
Calls for Justice
The shooting has intensified calls for police accountability, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding the police force. Kenyans online have taken to social media using hashtags like #JusticeForVendor and #StopPoliceBrutality to demand action against the officers involved.
Human rights organizations have urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations into the incident.
“This act of violence against an unarmed civilian demonstrates a dangerous culture of impunity within our security forces,” said a spokesperson for a leading rights group.
A Protest for Justice Turns Bloody
Ironically, the day’s demonstrations were organized to demand transparency and accountability over the death of Albert Ojwang, the blogger who allegedly died following torture at Central Police Station.
The tragic shooting of the vendor has now added a fresh layer of outrage to the ongoing calls for police reforms and the prosecution of officers involved in human rights abuses.
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