Video of Police Officers Shooting Man in the Head Sparks Outrage Among Kenyans

• Demonstrators took to the streets demanding the resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody
• Viral videos from the June 17 protests showed police officers shooting a man selling face masks in the CBD, sparking nationwide outrage
• The shooting has intensified public anger, with Kenyans and human rights groups demanding justice and an end to police brutality

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

The streets of Nairobi erupted into chaos on Tuesday, June 17, as police officers clashed with angry protesters demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat.

The demonstrators took to the streets following the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in custody at the Nairobi Central Police Station.

Ojwang had been arrested for allegedly defaming Lagat by linking him to corruption and abuse of office. However, the senior officer stepped aside to allow impartial investigations into the case.

His death ignited public fury, with many accusing the police of silencing critics.

What began as peaceful protests quickly turned violent after criminal elements infiltrated the demonstrations.

Tensions escalated further when a man, who was selling black face masks in the Nairobi CBD, was shot by police officers.

What happened before police shot mask seller?

Viral videos circulating on social media captured the chilling moment: the man, leaning against a wall, was approached by two police officers.

One officer struck him with the barrel of his gun, and before the man fell, the other officer shot him in the head at close range in the presence of protesters.

Acting swiftly, nearby protesters rushed to his aid, carrying him to the Bliss Medical Centre for urgent medical attention. He was reportedly transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital in critical condition.

While his condition remains unknown, the incident triggered immediate outrage among protesters and reignited calls to end police brutality and demand justice for victims.

The incident has since sparked widespread condemnation from Kenyans on social media and human rights groups, who continue to push for police accountability.

What else should you know about Albert Ojwang's murder?

• Central Police OCS Samson Talaam sent his condolences to the blogger's family
• Nakuru policeman Sammy Ondimu urged his colleagues to serve with humanity following Ojwang's murder
• Cop James Mukhwana's legal team claimed suspected police officers are trailing them

How did Kenyans react to the video?

@AtwoliiYa

"Another case here. Why shoot and kill someone? He is harmless, selling his masks. Enough is enough."

@itsdylanke

"Police officers use live bullets to shoot a mask vendor in Nairobi CBD! This is so disgusting!"

Zachius Nzinga

"Police make mistake after mistake. Why kill now? Reforms are needed in the Kenyan Police."

Shampain Mistari Provider

"Ukiwa kwako unauliwa, ukiuza mask tao wanakuua, ukipost tweet wanakuua, ukiongea wanakuua, ukienda kwa kanisa wanatupa teargas."

Korir KE

"Police should not mask themselves, same case to protestors, and someone is hawking masks during demonstrations, how?"

Omari warns against believing Ojwang's murder confession

In other news, OCS Taalam's lawyer, Danstan Omari, cautioned that Police Constable James Mukhwana's confession cannot be treated as factual since it has not been tested in court through cross-examination.

He emphasised that the law requires an inquest to properly establish the circumstances surrounding a murder that occurs inside a police station.

Omari warned that bypassing the legal process could open the door to a potential cover-up and undermine the pursuit of justice.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke