The International Justice Mission – Kenya (IJM Kenya) has called for urgent and transparent action following the fatal shooting of an unarmed civilian during protests in Nairobi on Tuesday. The incident, which unfolded during a peaceful demonstration seeking justice for Albert Ojwang a teacher and blogger who recently died under suspicious circumstances in police custody has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
In a strongly worded statement, IJM Kenya Country Director Vincent Chahale condemned the use of excessive force by police officers. “The nation is reeling from the deeply troubling shooting of an unarmed civilian who posed no threat to law enforcement or fellow demonstrators,” said Chahale. He added that this is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of systemic abuse within the National Police Service.
What began as a peaceful protest by civil society groups and human rights defenders quickly turned violent when riot police clashed with demonstrators. Eyewitness reports suggest that suspected goons infiltrated the protest, leading to chaos, looting, and further violence.
IJM Kenya, which works with partner organizations to monitor police conduct, stated that this latest tragedy adds to a growing body of evidence showing how some officers are turning against the very citizens they are meant to protect. “This follows the recent death of Alfred Ojwang in police custody, further underscoring the erosion of accountability,” Chahale noted.
Citing the Constitution of Kenya, IJM Kenya reaffirmed the right of every citizen to peacefully assemble and protest, calling on law enforcement to exercise restraint and uphold professionalism. The shooting of a street vendor, merely trying to make a living, was described as a direct violation of the right to life and freedom of expression.
The organisation has demanded that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) immediately initiate a thorough and impartial investigation. It also called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to prosecute any officers found responsible.
“Justice and accountability are essential to restoring public trust and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Kenyans,” the statement concluded.
