Officer arrested after graphic video sparks nationwide outrage over police brutality
A hawker selling face masks was shot at point-blank range by anti-riot police during demonstrations along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The man, who was unarmed, was cornered by two officers before one opened fire in full view of pedestrians and protesters.
The incident unfolded during protests demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Demonstrations in the Nairobi central business district escalated into violent confrontations after armed gangs disrupted the crowd.
A video recorded by a bystander captured the moment two uniformed police officers pinned the hawker against a wall. After beating him, one of the officers pulled out a gun and shot him at close range before fleeing. The video circulated widely online and triggered immediate public backlash.
The National Police Service (NPS) released a statement hours after the shooting, confirming the officer’s arrest. “Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service has ordered the immediate arrest, investigation, and arraignment of the officer involved. The said officer has since been arrested,” read the statement signed by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
The police did not disclose the name of the arrested officer or provide his photo. The statement confirmed that the victim survived the shooting and is receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. His current condition has not been made public.
In the same statement, NPS condemned the presence of armed gangs among the demonstrators. “The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly according to the law,” it stated. Police say investigations are underway to identify and prosecute individuals who incited or committed acts of violence during the protests.
Tuesday’s shooting is the latest in a string of reported police abuses. Public outrage has intensified in recent weeks, following the death of Albert Ojwang, a social media activist who died in police custody under disputed circumstances. Civil rights groups have demanded independent investigations into both incidents and broader police reform.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has not yet commented on the Nairobi shooting, but pressure continues to mount for a transparent inquiry.
Authorities have confirmed that 22 people were injured during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale. Most of the injuries were caused by clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
No government official has addressed the shooting publicly as of Wednesday morning. Protesters have vowed to return to the streets if justice is not served.
