Time to act, Passaris says after face mask vendor is shot in Nairobi

Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris./FILE

A mask vendor was shot by police officers in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday, as protests erupted over the death of Albert Ojwang who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.

Eyewitnesses say the vendor, who was unarmed, was caught in the chaos as demonstrators took to the streets to demand justice for Ojwang.

His shooting has sparked fresh outrage over police brutality in the country.

A video circulating on social media shows two police officers cornering the hawker selling face masks along Moi Avenue and began raining blows on him before shooting him at point-blank range.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris condemned the incident, terming it a "cold-blooded shooting" and a reflection of deep systemic issues within the country’s law enforcement.

“Another Kenyan, a mask vendor, shot in cold blood. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Passaris.

“What we’re witnessing is not just isolated brutality; it is the result of systemic failure—poor recruitment standards, inadequate training, mental burnout, and a culture of impunity.”

She called for urgent reforms in the National Police Service, including a review of recruitment criteria, better psychosocial support for officers, and mandatory use of body-worn cameras.

“We must build a police service grounded in professionalism, dignity, and accountability,” she said.

“I mourn with the family of the vendor, just as I mourn Albert Ojwang and so many others. But mourning is not enough. Prayers are not enough. It’s time to act.”

Passaris further urged the government to adequately fund and expand the police training academy to improve capacity and restore public trust.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is yet to release a statement on the incident.