A fresh wave of public outrage has erupted in Kenya following the shooting of an unarmed hawker, Boniface Kariuki, by a police officer in Nairobi. Kariuki, a mask vendor, is currently fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital after being shot in the head near Imenti House during a protest.
The incident occurred on the same day Kenyans were demonstrating against the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who reportedly died in police custody on June 7. The two incidents have ignited widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide, who accuse the police of escalating extrajudicial killings and state-sponsored violence.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since confirmed the arrest of the officer involved, stating that the individual will face prosecution. However, this move has done little to quell public anger, as questions about systemic abuse and police accountability continue to dominate the national discourse.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi termed the shooting “tragic, unacceptable, and unconstitutional,” criticizing the police for suppressing peaceful dissent rather than protecting citizens. “We cannot allow Kenya to slide into a state where dissent is met with bullets and justice is a rumour,” he said.
Echoing these sentiments, former Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba now Kenya’s ambassador to UNEP—described the act as “inexcusable” and warned against the political use of violent gangs, saying such actions could destabilize the state.
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni painted a grim picture of a society losing its moral compass. “The fact that the young man pleaded, ‘Don’t kill me,’ yet the police still shot him is frightening,” he said.
Other leaders, including Senator Ledama Ole Kina and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi, called for compassion and accountability, emphasizing the need for police to act within the law.
Senior Counsel Paul Muite summed up the national mood by declaring that extrajudicial execution is fast becoming a tool of intimidation, urging urgent reforms.
As Kariuki battles for his life, the country stands at a critical crossroads facing rising calls to end police brutality and restore justice for victims.
