Widespread anger has erupted across the country following reports that police shot and killed a young mask vendor during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi over the death of Albert Ojwang’ in police custody.
The incident, which took place along Moi Avenue near Azuri Restaurant, was captured on video and has since circulated widely on social media. The footage shows anti-riot police dispersing a group of suspected looters when one officer suddenly turns his attention to two seemingly uninvolved individuals.
One of the men, wearing a light blue jacket, is seen leaning calmly against a wall, appearing unbothered by the chaos around him. Another man sits nearby on a metal staircase leading into a shop. As the officer scares off the fleeing group, he walks past the two men—only to abruptly turn back.
The video shows the officer approaching the young vendor and grabbing his head, seemingly attempting to forcibly move him. The vendor resists. A second officer then joins in, and after a brief exchange of words, the vendor tries to run away. In a shocking moment, the officer raises his rifle and shoots him in the head at close range.
Members of the public, along with Kenya Red Cross personnel, rushed to the scene and carried the young man away.
As stunned onlookers cry out “ameua, ameua. Hiyo sio poa” (he has killed, he has killed, that's not good), the officer and his colleague walk away casually, unfazed.
Janet Mbugua
We are not safe. Not even from those sworn to protect us. How many times must this be repeated before action is taken?
This cannot become normal. We cannot move on as if it is. We demand accountability. We demand better. And until justice is served, we will not stay silent. Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Use your voice where you can and protect your peace where you must.
Abel Mutua
The confidence exuded by this cop is a clear sign of the goodwill he has from his superiors to commit such atrocities.
Maureen Waititu
I’m soooooo sorrry ??for uploading this video here, please forgive me if you get triggered but my God! This needs to circulate and the culprit to be brought to book!!!! Who will save this country????Mungu wangu ??. This is a m*rder caught in broad daylight ‼️ my heart weeps for my countrymen.
The disregard of human life!?????. All this poor man had was a handful of masks, no weapon, no threat, just trying to make a little money to perhaps take back to his family. But tonight, because of a monster parading as a cop, his body is sleeping not in a warm bed, but on a cold morgue floor, never to see his loved ones ever again!???.
No no no, these monsters are getting this confidence because they know that nothing will happen to them-no consequences whatsoever.
Jackie Vike
#EndPoliceBrutalityKeThis Brutality should not be Normalized!!!!
Flaqo
#endpolicebrutalitykeARE POLICE ABOVE THE LAW?!???❤️? Our hearts bleed ,our ancestors hearts break for the freedom they fought for is no longer with us,the colonialists are these same leaders that drive past us at 180KPH,DEAR GOD,HELP KENYA❤️?❤️?Amen
Brenda Jons
Kenya is our home. We shouldn't be afraid of going out just because you're not sure you'll make it back alive.
That cop should know that blood speaks and the justice of God will find you.
He was just standing there, not fighting,not resisting,unarmed. IT IS NOT FAIR!!!
Adelle Onyango
Despite orders not to hide their identity they have but perhaps we can still identify the cops around/with the one caught on
video shooting Eli - there are unconfirmed reports that he may have survived but is in critical condition. In the meantime I hope we can find this cop!
Senior Counsel Paul Muite condemned the incident on his X handle, describing it as further proof of the state’s disregard for life and justice in the wake of Ojwang’s custodial death.
“The cold-blooded police murder today of a young Kenyan selling masks in the CBD is evidence this regime has no regrets about Albert Ojwang’s murder. Extrajudicial executions are the regime’s official intimidation policy for retaining power. It will fail,” he posted.
His remarks echoed a wave of outrage online, with many Kenyans demanding accountability, justice and an end to what they described as systemic police brutality.
"Another endless extrajudicial execution. How many deaths will it take for you to stop this? posed People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi also condemned the killing, calling it “tragic and a shocking abuse of power by police.”
He further raised alarm over the infiltration of peaceful protests by what he termed a "ragtag militia" brazenly wielding batons and robbing pedestrians and bystanders in broad daylight.
“This is lawlessness being entrenched under the watch of law enforcement. The role of the police is to protect citizens, including protesters exercising their constitutional rights—not to stand by as marauding goons unleash terror on innocent people," Moi said on X.
"While we condemn these acts of violence, that police officer must be identified, arrested, and charged,” he added.
Former Azimio chief agent Saitabao ole Kanchory also rebuked the police excesses, saying the incident came at "a good time to remind the world that Kenyan police are protecting Haitians from criminal gangs while attacking Kenyans using criminal gangs."
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya echoed the condemnation, warning that the country was on a dangerous path if justice continues to be met with violence.
“My country, Kenya, is falling. Enough is enough! If fighting for justice for our slain comrade Albert Ojwang leads to more brutal killings, we must act fast. The bloodshed must stop. Change is coming,” Salasya posted.
He called for full accountability and urged authorities to trace the officers captured on the video.
“The footage must be used to trace the two officers—the route they took and the vehicle used. Even fleeing on foot would have been more understandable. But the man had already surrendered. Why not arrest him instead of using excessive force? This impunity must stop.”
Salasya also called for urgent police reforms, saying all anti-riot officers should undergo immediate refresher training in anger management and public engagement.
"We cannot normalise brutality in the name of law enforcement. The officers must face the full force of the law. We are a country governed by laws, not by emotions.”
DAP–Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa called the incident “heartbreaking,” accusing the state of presiding over a reign of terror.
“Why? This murderous regime and its hired goons and rogue police must go! This bloodletting must stop! We demand immediate action by Ipoa and justice for the harmless, unarmed hawker, for Albert Ojwang, and for all victims of police brutality!”
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana decried what he described as state-fueled class warfare and exploitation of the youth.
“With their master(s), they believe hustler life is worthless trash. Imagine setting desperate youth against fellow youth! God, is this the Kenya we deserve? Now, it is time for Gen Z to come out to save Kenya. We must protect our youth and country.”
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also expressed outrage at the incident but kept her reaction brief.
"Unacceptable!" she said.
Meanwhile, ODM communications director Philip Etale appealed for calm and unity amid rising tensions.
“Fellow Kenyans: right from leaders to citizens and to uniformed officers, Kenya is our home. Let’s be peaceful, please. The everyday scenes on the streets, running battles, and endless bickering aren’t making Kenya great… let’s listen to one another, reason together and build our country," he said.
"What we are witnessing is ineffable and dangerous. We should not extirpate our country but build it for the generations of today, tomorrow, and the future.”
Social media influencer Bravin Yuri captured the public mood, saying: “People are very angry, and this will not go down easy. How do you shoot an innocent Kenyan point-blank in the head?”
Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni said the shooting should have sparked more than just virtual outrage.
“That single, barbaric act should have been the final straw. That shooting alone should have ignited a national uprising—not just outrage online, but boots on the streets, voices raised, fists clenched! Something has to give. And if we don’t rise now, we are complicit in our own destruction. Enough is enough!”
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