Officer in city shooting arrested, victim hospitalised – NPS

A protester lies motionless after he was shot by a police officer during demonstrations over the death of the late Albert Ojwang, June 17, 2025. /DOUGLAS OKIDDY

A police officer who shot an unarmed mask vendor in Nairobi’s Moi Avenue on Tuesday has been arrested, the National Police Service has said.

The incident, which was captured on camera, saw the officer discharge an anti-riot shotgun and hit the unarmed man on the head at short range.

The victim - who was initially presumed dead - was immediately rushed to hospital and is currently receiving medical attention, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.

"Following this incident, the Inspector General National Police Service ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested," Nyaga said.

The incident occured as anti-riot police responded to protests within Nairobi's central business district.

The protests were sparked by the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang' on June 8 inside a holding cell at the Central police station.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) raised concern over the presence of what they described as “a group of goons armed with crude weapons” among the demonstrators.

NPS vowed to take firm action against the individuals.

“The service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly,” Nyaga said.

The shooting, caught on camera and widely circulated online, sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct during demonstrations.

The NPS did not released the identity of the officer involved, prompting a wave of questions online — including demands for verifiable proof of the alleged arrest.

Doubts have also emerged over the NPS’s vow to "firmly handle" the so-called goons once identified.

Footage shared widely online shows the club-wielding group, some riding motorbikes, strolling past police officers who appeared to take no action against them.