The police officer who shot an unarmed hawker at close range along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during the June 17, 2025 demonstrations has been arrested. The arrest follows widespread national outrage over what many Kenyans are calling a blatant case of police brutality.
According to a statement issued by the National Police Service (NPS) and signed by spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer was taken into custody following orders from the Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja. The shooting incident, captured in a viral video, shows two anti-riot officers beating the hawker before one draws his weapon and shoots him at close range.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service has ordered the immediate arrest, investigation, and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” read the NPS statement.
However, the NPS did not release the officer’s name or provide any photos to confirm the arrest, as is usually the practice in high-profile cases. This omission has fueled further public concern about the transparency and seriousness of the arrest.
How the Protest Turned Violent
The demonstrations on June 17 were initially organized to demand the resignation and arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat over alleged misconduct and rising insecurity. The protests began peacefully but soon turned chaotic when a group of individuals armed with crude weapons infiltrated the crowds.
NPS described these individuals as “goons” and condemned their actions in the strongest terms, vowing to take stern legal action.
“NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly according to the law,” the statement emphasized.
Authorities say investigations are underway to identify and prosecute these individuals who are accused of inciting violence and jeopardizing public safety during the demonstration.
The Victim: A Hawker Shot for Selling Masks
The victim of the shooting was a hawker who was reportedly selling face masks along Moi Avenue when he was approached by two anti-riot police officers. According to eyewitnesses and a video shared widely on social media, the officers assaulted the man before one of them opened fire at close range, causing severe injuries.
The hawker was immediately rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) where he underwent emergency surgery. Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that the patient required neurosurgery and was in critical condition upon arrival.
“The patient was brought in around 4:00 p.m. and was received by our emergency department team. After evaluation by our neurosurgeons, it was determined that he required an urgent neurosurgical procedure,” said Amoth during a press briefing.
The hospital has since prepared an ICU bed for post-surgical care, although the exact nature and extent of the victim’s injuries remain undisclosed pending further medical evaluation.
Public Outcry: “We Want Justice”
The shooting incident has triggered an outpouring of grief, anger, and frustration among Kenyans. Civil society groups, political leaders, and the general public have taken to social media and news platforms to demand justice for the hawker and others affected by what they describe as a “growing trend of unchecked police violence.”
Many have drawn parallels between this incident and the recent death of popular social media influencer Albert Ojwang, who died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. Ojwang’s death also sparked widespread protests, with many Kenyans demanding a full investigation and prosecution of all officers involved.
“This is not just about one hawker or one influencer. It’s about a system that allows armed officers to brutalize civilians without accountability,” said human rights activist Boniface Mwangi.
The hashtags #JusticeForHawker and #StopPoliceBrutalityKE have been trending on social media, with thousands of users calling for nationwide police reforms and the swift prosecution of the offending officer.
Lack of Transparency Raises Concerns
Although the arrest of the officer has been confirmed by the NPS, many Kenyans are expressing skepticism due to the lack of transparency. The NPS did not name the officer, share a photo, or confirm when and where the arrest took place. This has led to concerns that the announcement may be a public relations move rather than a genuine step toward justice.
“We’ve seen this playbook before—public outcry, a statement promising action, and then silence. We demand proof that this officer will face trial,” said Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid.
Legal experts are also weighing in, noting that a public confirmation of the officer’s identity and scheduled court proceedings would help restore public trust in the police force.
IPOA and Police Oversight Under Pressure
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now under pressure to ensure a credible and independent investigation into the incident. IPOA has in the past faced criticism for slow investigations and lack of tangible outcomes in cases involving police violence.
As of 2025, IPOA has received hundreds of complaints related to police misconduct, including excessive force, torture, and extrajudicial killings. While some officers have been prosecuted, conviction rates remain low, and many victims’ families say they are still waiting for justice years later.
Calls are now growing for the government to accelerate the long-stalled police reforms and equip IPOA with more resources and legal muscle to hold rogue officers accountable.
What’s Next?
The focus now turns to the criminal justice process. Civil society groups are calling for the arrested officer to be charged in open court and for the case to proceed swiftly and transparently. They also demand the implementation of body cameras, improved training on human rights, and more effective disciplinary procedures within the National Police Service.
Meanwhile, the hawker remains hospitalized, with the nation watching closely for updates on his condition and the progress of the case.
Conclusion: A Moment for Reform
The brutal shooting of a hawker in the heart of Nairobi during a public demonstration has reopened deep wounds and renewed calls for police accountability in Kenya. While the arrest of the officer marks a critical first step, the public is no longer satisfied with symbolic gestures.
Kenyans are demanding meaningful reform, justice for all victims of police abuse, and a law enforcement system that protects rather than endangers its citizens.
Only time will tell if this moment of reckoning will lead to real change—or become yet another forgotten headline in the long list of police brutality cases in the country.