The Judiciary has called on the National Police Service (NPS) to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals and sponsors behind the violence witnessed during recent protests, even as it assured the public of justice in cases of police brutality.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo said the events of recent weeks had tested the conscience of the nation and must be addressed urgently.
The Judiciary expressed condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang, the 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody, and condemned the rising trend of peaceful protests being infiltrated by violent elements.
“We are deeply concerned about reports of goons, some of them armed, attacking peaceful demonstrators. In some cases, they were reportedly escorted by police as they clashed with protesters,” the statement read.
The Judiciary urged the police to act decisively against those orchestrating or sponsoring violence and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering justice in all police brutality cases.
“As some of these matters are already before the courts, the Judiciary assures the nation that the courts remain committed to upholding justice in a timely, impartial and independent manner, anchored in the rule of law,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Boniface Karuiki, 22, was shot in the head by anti-riot police along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during demonstrations demanding justice for Ojwang. A widely circulated video captured the moment two officers in riot gear cornered a hawker selling face masks before beating and shooting him at close range.
The disturbing video triggered public outrage, with many Kenyans calling for accountability. Good Samaritans were seen rushing the victim to seek help, though his condition remains unclear.
Boniface Karuiki father on Wednesday morning confirmed that his son was alive battling his life in ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo described the incident as “unacceptable.” Police have since said the officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested and investigations are underway.
Chaos erupted in parts of Nairobi on Tuesday as criminal gangs robbed both pedestrians and protesters. Some reports suggested the attackers were aided by elements within the police. Many businesses in the CBD remained closed for most of the day.
Ojwang’s death on June 8 came almost a year after more than 60 people died during demonstrations sparked by proposed tax hikes. While police initially claimed he died by suicide in custody, an independent autopsy showed he had suffered injuries consistent with assault. The police chief later issued a public apology.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed Ojwang’s arrest stemmed from a complaint by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed.
Two senior police officers and a technician accused of tampering with CCTV evidence have already been arrested in connection with the case.
Amnesty International Kenya also raised alarm over attacks by unidentified individuals on motorbikes, who were seen assaulting protesters with whips.
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