Unarmed Civilian Shot by Police During Nairobi Protests, Officer Arrested

A police officer has been arrested following a widely condemned shooting of an unarmed man during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17. The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows the officer firing at close range into a crowd, hitting a man who appeared to be walking away.

Eyewitnesses say the victim, believed to be a street vendor uninvolved in the protest, was struck in the head and collapsed instantly. Bystanders rushed him to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where he remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.

The protests, triggered by public outrage over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, had drawn hundreds of demonstrators demanding justice and an end to police brutality. Tensions escalated after the video emerged, sparking further criticism of law enforcement's handling of the demonstrations.

In a press briefing issued earlier today, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the officer involved has been taken into custody and will face criminal charges. The Inspector-General of Police ordered his immediate arrest and committed to a full investigation into the matter.

“We condemn any act of excessive force by officers against civilians,” the statement read. “The officer will be prosecuted, and the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.”

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a parallel inquiry into the incident. Civil society groups have called for transparency in the investigation and for wider reforms in the police service.

Human rights organizations have raised alarm over what they describe as a pattern of violent police responses to peaceful protests. “This is not an isolated incident,” said one activist. “It's part of a larger problem where accountability is often absent, and victims are left without justice.”

As pressure mounts on the government, the family of the injured man is calling for swift action and public disclosure of the officer’s identity and court proceedings.

The shooting has once again ignited debate around police conduct, the use of live ammunition during protests, and the need for structural reforms to ensure civilian protection.