Two police officers arrested over shooting of hawker in Nairobi

By Newsflash Writer

The National Police Service (NPS) has identified and interdicted two officers seen in a widely circulated video assaulting and shooting a hawker during Tuesday’s demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The officers—Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono—were filmed in the act of shooting Boniface Kariuki. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the shooting was “unjustified” and confirmed that the two officers are currently being processed by the Homicide Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), pending further action.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who accused the government of tolerating impunity within its security agencies.

Activist Jackson Kuria, also known as Cop Shakur, decried what he described as systemic violence against the youth. “We are tired of burying our young people, tired of the bullets, tired of the lies, and tired of a regime that protects killers in uniform,” he said. “Since when is selling masks or staying at home with your parents a crime deserving death?”

Public outrage over police brutality

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Catholic Church also condemned the police’s handling of the protests. LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticised the point-blank shooting of Kariuki, accusing both police and armed gangs of collusion. “We strongly object to the conduct of police and the armed militia masquerading as vigilantes defending Nairobi,” said Odhiambo. “We categorically condemn the barbaric actions of these groups, which clearly operated alongside police officers.”

She added that LSK had examined multiple images showing these gangs walking with and acting in coordination with police. During the unrest, a High Court advocate, Mr Ken Ochieng, was allegedly attacked while on his way to meet a client. Odhiambo said the attackers had been dropped off on Koinange Street by a police Land Cruiser and escorted by boda bodas carrying armed passengers. She accused the gangs of orchestrated violence, looting, and brutalising peaceful protesters under the watch of law enforcement. According to the LSK, 17 people were injured during the demonstrations.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Diocese expressed alarm over the police brutality witnessed during the protests, calling for urgent reforms. Addressing the press at Holy Family Basilica, he condemned the shooting of unarmed civilians and questioned how armed goons were allowed to operate freely in the city. “These groups were robbing, beating people, and vandalising property in broad daylight as police officers stood by. We urge Kenyans, particularly the youth, to remain calm and respond to injustice in a peaceful and responsible manner,” he said.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, however, dismissed allegations of collusion between the police and hired gangs. “We reject these unfounded accusations aimed at damaging the reputation of the government,” Mwaura stated, adding that several suspected goons had already been arrested and would face prosecution. Police spokesperson Muchiri echoed this, denying any police collaboration with the gangs. “Some individuals matching the description of these so-called goons were spotted in the CBD. Their images are under analysis for possible prosecution,” he said.