IJM Kenya demands swift action against police over protest shooting

The International Justice Mission – Kenya (IJM Kenya) has called for urgent and transparent action against police officers who used excessive force during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi.

In a statement signed by IJM Kenya Country Director Vincent Chahale, the organisation condemned the violence witnessed during the demonstrations.

“The nation is reeling from the deeply troubling shooting of an unarmed civilian who posed no threat to law enforcement or fellow demonstrators,” the statement read. “This incident is not an isolated case—it reflects deeper, systemic challenges within the National Police Service.” 

The protests, which began as a peaceful demonstration organized by civil society groups and human rights defenders, were meant to demand justice for Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died under suspicious circumstances in police custody.

However, what started as a call for accountability quickly turned chaotic after riot police clashed with protesters and suspected goons infiltrated the crowds, attacking demonstrators and looting.

IJM Kenya stated that its work, in collaboration with partner organizations, has documented a concerning trend of law enforcement officers increasingly turning against the citizens they are mandated to protect.

“This latest tragedy follows the recent death of Alfred Ojwang in police custody, further underscoring the erosion of accountability and the shift from a service-oriented police institution to one that often operates with reckless abandon,” Chahale said.

Citing the Constitution of Kenya, IJM Kenya reaffirmed the right of citizens to peacefully protest and called for restraint and professionalism from law enforcement.

The organisation emphasised that the shooting of a vendor, simply trying to earn a living, was not only unlawful but a direct violation of the right to life and peaceful assembly.

IJM Kenya has demanded that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the shooting, and that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) prosecute all officers found culpable.

“Justice and accountability are essential to restoring public trust and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Kenyans,” the statement emphasised.