Outrage as police shoot mask vendor at close range during protests

A mask vendor is carried after he was shot by a police officer during demonstrations over the death of the late Albert Ojwang, June 17, 2025. /DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Reports of police shooting a young mask vendor at a street corner on Moi Avenue during Tuesday’s protests over the death of Albert Ojwang’ in custody have sparked widespread outrage across the country.

The shooting, which was captured on video, occurred as anti-riot police dispersed looters near Azuri Restaurant.

In the footage, one officer is seen aiming his weapon at fleeing individuals suspected of looting, while a young man in a light blue jacket leans calmly against a wall, seemingly unbothered.

Another man is seated nearby on a metal staircase leading to one of the shops.

After scaring off the fleeing group, the officer is seen retreating past the two men, then abruptly stopping and turning back.

He approaches the young vendor and grabs his head, appearing to try and forcefully move him. The man resists.

A second officer soon joins him. Following a brief verbal exchange, the young man attempts to run—but the officer raises his rifle and shoots him in the head.

He died instantly, slumped to the pavement, and lay motionless.

Members of the public and Red Cross personnel carried the deceased away from the scene.

As stunned onlookers cry out “ameua, ameua. Hiyo sio poa” (he has killed, he has killed, that's not good), the officer and his colleague walk away casually, unfazed.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite condemned the incident on his X handle, describing it as further proof of the state’s disregard for life and justice in the wake of Ojwang’s custodial death.

“The cold-blooded police murder today of a young Kenyan selling masks in the CBD is evidence this regime has no regrets about Albert Ojwang’s murder. Extrajudicial executions are the regime’s official intimidation policy for retaining power. It will fail,” he posted.

His remarks echoed a wave of outrage online, with many Kenyans demanding accountability, justice and an end to what they described as systemic police brutality.

"Another endless extrajudicial execution. How many deaths will it take for you to stop this? posed People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.

Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi also condemned the shooting, calling it “tragic and a shocking abuse of power by police.”

He further raised alarm over the infiltration of peaceful protests by what he termed a "ragtag militia" brazenly wielding batons and robbing pedestrians and bystanders in broad daylight.

“This is lawlessness being entrenched under the watch of law enforcement. The role of the police is to protect citizens, including protesters exercising their constitutional rights—not to stand by as marauding goons unleash terror on innocent people," Moi said on X.

"While we condemn these acts of violence, that police officer must be identified, arrested, and charged,” he added.

Former Azimio chief agent Saitabao ole Kanchory also rebuked the police excesses, saying the incident came at "a good time to remind the world that Kenyan police are protecting Haitians from criminal gangs while attacking Kenyans using criminal gangs."

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya echoed the condemnation, warning that the country was on a dangerous path if justice continues to be met with violence.

“My country, Kenya, is falling. Enough is enough! If fighting for justice for our slain comrade Albert Ojwang leads to more brutal killings, we must act fast. The bloodshed must stop. Change is coming,” Salasya posted.

He called for full accountability and urged authorities to trace the officers captured on the video.

“The footage must be used to trace the two officers—the route they took and the vehicle used. Even fleeing on foot would have been more understandable. But the man had already surrendered. Why not arrest him instead of using excessive force? This impunity must stop.”

Salasya also called for urgent police reforms, saying all anti-riot officers should undergo immediate refresher training in anger management and public engagement.

"We cannot normalise brutality in the name of law enforcement. The officers must face the full force of the law. We are a country governed by laws, not by emotions.”

DAP–Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa called the incident “heartbreaking,” accusing the state of presiding over a reign of terror.

“Why? This murderous regime and its hired goons and rogue police must go! This bloodletting must stop! We demand immediate action by Ipoa and justice for the harmless, unarmed hawker, for Albert Ojwang, and for all victims of police brutality!”

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana decried what he described as state-fueled class warfare and exploitation of the youth.

“With their master(s), they believe hustler life is worthless trash. Imagine setting desperate youth against fellow youth! God, is this the Kenya we deserve? Now, it is time for Gen Z to come out to save Kenya. We must protect our youth and country.”

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo also expressed outrage at the incident but kept her reaction brief. 

"Unacceptable!" she said.

Meanwhile, ODM communications director Philip Etale appealed for calm and unity amid rising tensions.

“Fellow Kenyans: right from leaders to citizens and to uniformed officers, Kenya is our home. Let’s be peaceful, please. The everyday scenes on the streets, running battles, and endless bickering aren’t making Kenya great… let’s listen to one another, reason together and build our country," he said.

"What we are witnessing is ineffable and dangerous. We should not extirpate our country but build it for the generations of today, tomorrow, and the future.”

Social media influencer Bravin Yuri captured the public mood, saying: “People are very angry, and this will not go down easy. How do you shoot an innocent Kenyan point-blank in the head?”

Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni said the shooting should have sparked more than just virtual outrage.

“That single, barbaric act should have been the final straw. That shooting alone should have ignited a national uprising—not just outrage online, but boots on the streets, voices raised, fists clenched! Something has to give. And if we don’t rise now, we are complicit in our own destruction. Enough is enough!”