A hawker shot by anti-riot police officers in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) is currently recovering after undergoing emergency neurosurgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The shooting, which occurred during a protest demanding accountability from senior police officials, has sparked public outrage across the country.
According to Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth, the victim was admitted in critical condition and immediately received emergency care before being taken to the operating theatre.
“The patient was brought in around 4:00 p.m. and was promptly attended to by our emergency department team. He was stabilized and later assessed by neurosurgeons,” said Dr. Amoth during a press briefing outside KNH on Tuesday evening.
The health official confirmed that the man required urgent neurosurgical intervention due to the severity of his injuries.
“Evaluation by our neurosurgical team revealed the need for an emergency neurosurgical procedure, which is currently being undertaken. As a precaution, we have also prepared an ICU bed in case of post-operative complications,” Amoth added.
He declined to comment on the full extent of the injuries, citing the need to await a complete medical assessment after the operation. The Ministry of Health is expected to provide further updates once the surgery is concluded.
Shocking Police Brutality Sparks Public Outcry
The victim was reportedly shot during protests organized to demand the resignation and arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned chaotic as police officers attempted to disperse the crowd.
A video shared widely on social media showed two anti-riot police officers confronting a man believed to be hawking masks along Moi Avenue. The footage captures the officers aggressively cornering the hawker before one officer cocks his firearm and shoots him at close range.
In the harrowing video, the man collapses as a pool of blood forms around him. Bystanders quickly rushed to carry the victim to safety amid screams and panic. Witnesses identified the man as a local hawker, known in the area for selling masks and other small items to passersby.
Civil Society and Political Leaders Demand Accountability
The incident has ignited widespread condemnation from Kenyans, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders, all calling for swift justice. Politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed shock at what they termed an “unprovoked and brutal attack on a defenseless civilian.”
Human rights activists have accused the police of using excessive force and called for the immediate suspension of all officers involved in the incident. Social media users trended hashtags like #JusticeForTheHawker and #StopPoliceBrutality, pushing the government to act.
Amnesty International Kenya issued a statement urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take over the investigations and ensure transparency and justice.
“This kind of violence undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in our police service. The officer must face the full force of the law,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
Police Respond: Officer Arrested, Investigations Underway
In response to the public uproar, the National Police Service (NPS), through its spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, confirmed that investigations had already begun.
“We are aware of a disturbing incident that occurred during a public demonstration within the Nairobi CBD. The involved officer has since been identified and taken into custody,” said Nyaga.
He added that the internal affairs unit, in collaboration with IPOA, is leading a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The National Police Service does not condone unlawful use of force. Any officer found guilty of misconduct will face disciplinary and legal action,” Nyaga affirmed.
However, critics argue that arrests alone are not enough, citing a history of unresolved police brutality cases in Kenya.
A Pattern of Excessive Force by Kenyan Police?
This is not the first time Kenyan police have come under fire for using lethal force during public protests or minor law enforcement operations. Over the past decade, human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of police violence, especially in informal settlements and during national demonstrations.
In 2023, IPOA reported that it had received over 700 complaints related to police misconduct, ranging from harassment and torture to extrajudicial killings. While some officers have faced prosecution, many cases remain unresolved due to lack of evidence, witness intimidation, or delayed investigations.
Legal experts argue that more reforms are needed within the police service to prevent such incidents and ensure better accountability.
“We need to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure police officers are properly trained in crowd control and human rights,” said lawyer and activist Njeri Gachagua.
Calls for Justice and Systemic Reform Grow Louder
Kenyans continue to demand justice for the hawker, who remains hospitalized as the nation watches closely. Several civil rights groups have announced plans for peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with the victim, and to pressure the government to address systemic issues within the National Police Service.
Church leaders and youth organizations have also joined the chorus, calling for a complete overhaul of the current policing approach and the fast-tracking of the delayed implementation of the National Police Service reforms.
Conclusion: A Nation Demands Change
As the hawker fights for his life in the KNH intensive care unit, the tragic event has once again highlighted the urgent need for police reform in Kenya. While the arrest of the officer marks a step toward justice, Kenyans are demanding more than just temporary measures—they want structural change that guarantees safety, dignity, and accountability for all.
Whether this incident will spark meaningful change or fade into the growing list of unresolved police abuse cases remains to be seen. For now, the country waits—for justice, for healing, and for reform.