The United Kingdom has issued strong demands to the Kenyan government following the latest police shooting in Nairobi, calling for accountability and transparency in handling cases of police brutality.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the British High Commission in Kenya said: “Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect. We are deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians and protestors yesterday. We urge a swift, independent, and transparent investigation into the actions of the police.”
The statement comes after a disturbing incident on Tuesday, June 17, when anti-riot police shot a hawker at close range along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s central business district.
The hawker was reportedly among protesters who had taken to the streets demanding justice for 31-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8.
A widely shared video on social media shows two police officers in full riot gear attacking the hawker, who was selling face masks. One of the officers, having cocked his rifle, fired at the man at point-blank range before fleeing. Good Samaritans were later seen carrying the victim in a desperate attempt to save his life.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for justice, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, terming the shooting “unacceptable.” The National Police Service (NPS) has since confirmed that the officer who fired the shot has been arrested and is under investigation.
Tuesday’s protests, which began peacefully, descended into chaos as unidentified individuals on motorbikes were seen whipping protesters and looting pedestrians. Amnesty International Kenya reported that dozens of motorcycles with hooded passengers attacked members of the public. Some observers alleged that the attackers were linked to the police, though these claims remain unverified.
Businesses in the city centre closed for most of the day as police struggled to control the situation. Some reports suggested that officers were either overwhelmed or complicit in the violence.
Albert Ojwang’s death, which initially the police had termed a suicide, has come under intense scrutiny after an independent autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault. His arrest was triggered by a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, who has since stepped aside pending investigations.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is leading inquiries into the matter. So far, two senior officers and a CCTV technician—who allegedly tampered with surveillance equipment at the police station—have been arrested.
The death of Ojwang and the shooting of the protester have drawn comparisons to last year’s deadly protests where over 60 people were killed during demonstrations sparked by proposed tax hikes.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
