A popular TikToker with millions of followers has set off a storm online after sharing chilling footage of police brutality in Kenya. The influencer, known for tackling sensitive social issues around the world, recently visited Nairobi, where he documented a disturbing case involving the fatal shooting of a hawker during public protests.
In a video that has gone viral across multiple platforms, the TikToker stood on Moi Avenue—the very spot where hawker Boniface Kariuki was gunned down by police. Bloodstains on the pavement still marked the site. As he narrated the incident, he gave a vivid account of how Kariuki was shot at point-blank range during a demonstration. The protest was in response to the controversial death of a Kenyan blogger who had died in police custody days earlier, triggering widespread unrest.
His exposé has resonated deeply with many, both locally and abroad. It sheds light on growing tensions surrounding alleged police misconduct, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances, issues that have intensified in the country since the anti-government protests that erupted in 2024. The video paints a grim picture of Kenya’s security forces and how they handle civil unrest—drawing attention to accusations that certain powerful figures may be trying to suppress such information.
The TikToker’s decision to delay posting the footage until after he left the country was intentional. In his own words, the nature of the content and the political implications made it risky to release while still in Kenya. He feared retaliation or possible restrictions and wanted to ensure both his safety and that of his sources before going public. He emphasized the importance of telling the story on a global scale, adding that some people in power might not appreciate such transparency.
Following the video’s release, many Kenyans flooded his social media with messages of gratitude and support. Users praised his bravery, with some remarking that he was wise to wait until he was out of the country. Several users pointed out that had he posted the video while still in Kenya, he might have become the next target in a string of unexplained abductions or arrests.
Others used the opportunity to criticize the current state of governance and called for a change in leadership. The reactions highlighted a shared frustration and fear among ordinary citizens regarding the worsening security situation and alleged suppression of dissenting voices.
The incident has fueled an already charged political atmosphere, amplifying demands for accountability and justice, especially toward top law enforcement officials who have come under public scrutiny in recent months. The exposé has also sparked discussions about freedom of speech, press safety, and the role of international voices in amplifying local struggles.
Through his bold reporting, the TikToker has cast a global spotlight on a nation grappling with unrest and state accountability. While he may be thousands of miles away now, the impact of his video continues to ripple across Kenya, energizing a growing movement of citizens calling for transparency, justice, and reform.