Outrage as police is filmed shooting unarmed civilian in Nairobi

By Newsflash Reporter

A disturbing video showing a police officer firing at an unarmed civilian during anti-government protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in Kenya.

The incident, which occurred on the morning of June 17, 2025, was captured on camera and widely circulated online, provoking widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement during public demonstrations.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the National Police Service (NPS) acknowledged the incident, confirming that a police officer had shot an unarmed individual using an anti-riot shotgun during ongoing protests.

“The National Police Service has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun within the Nairobi Central Business District on June 17,” read the statement signed by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

Following public outrage and pressure from human rights groups, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment of the officer involved. The statement confirmed that the officer had already been apprehended and would face legal action.

Victim hospitalized as protests turn violent

The victim of the shooting was taken to hospital and is currently receiving medical attention. Details regarding the extent of his injuries remain unclear, but witnesses described the incident as unprovoked, noting that the civilian appeared to be retreating when the officer opened fire.

The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police forces following the shooting. Eyewitnesses reported that enraged protestors hurled stones and lit bonfires in parts of the CBD, prompting a forceful response by police who fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.

Tensions have been simmering in the capital for weeks amid growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic challenges and allegations of corruption. The demonstrations on June 17 were part of a broader wave of civic action led by civil society groups and student unions, demanding reforms in police accountability, governance, and social justice.

Police condemn armed protesters

In the same statement, the National Police Service accused a section of protestors of infiltrating the demonstrations with “crude weapons,” describing them as “goons.” The statement warned that those involved in criminal activities would be “handled firmly, according to the law.”

“NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings,” the police spokesperson said.

However, rights groups and opposition politicians have accused the police of attempting to shift blame and deflect attention from the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. They argue that while criminal elements should be dealt with according to the law, the primary issue remains the consistent and often lethal overreaction by the police to constitutionally protected protests.

Last week, violent protests erupted after the alleged torture and killing of teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. His death triggered national demonstrations and demands for justice, with several human rights organizations accusing the police of operating with impunity.

Ojwang’s death has become a rallying cry for campaigners pushing for reforms in the National Police Service, including the implementation of long-delayed recommendations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).