Some of the peaceful protesters at Nairobi's CBD on June 17, 2025/DOUGLAS OKIDDY
The Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) has strongly condemned the infiltration of peaceful protests in Nairobi by violent groups that attacked demonstrators and caused widespread chaos.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, PRWG said the violence during the June 17 protests led to the shooting of an unarmed bystander and left at least 25 people injured, five of them with gunshot wounds.
“Beyond the injuries, there was extensive and uncalculated damage to private businesses and public property across the capital,” the group noted.
PRWG raised concern over the failure by police to stop masked individuals who were reportedly mobilized and armed with tyre whips, wooden batons, and knives to target demonstrators.
Despite the day’s unrest, police stations in Nairobi—including Central and Kamukunji—reported no protest-related arrests by 8:00 p.m. that evening.
PRWG has called on the Inspector General of Police to address the conduct of officers involved in the operation.
The group is demanding a public explanation on reports of coordination between police and violent agitators, and has asked for the names, badge numbers, and ranks of officers who were seen using excessive force.
The statement also called for a thorough investigation and accountability measures, including the arrest of both officers and individuals responsible for the violence.
“We urge the office of the IG to submit deployment records, weapons data, ballistics, and all forensic evidence from the operation to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA),” PRWG said.
They also demanded that the officer linked to the shooting of Boniface Kariuki be charged and subjected to due legal process.
Ahead of the protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, PRWG had issued a public safety advisory outlining seven principles for lawful policing.
These included proportional use of force, protection of protesters and bystanders, and safeguarding journalists and medical personnel.
The group commended health workers, legal advocates, journalists, protest observers, and citizens who upheld non-violence, assisted the injured, and documented human rights concerns during the protests.
PRWG called for a return to lawful and accountable policing and urged authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed in the Constitution.
