A Kenyan police officer arrested on Tuesday is now facing court action for shooting an unarmed civilian during protests in Nairobi. The demonstrations followed public outrage after the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8. His case has reignited widespread anger over police brutality and killings without trial in Kenya.
Earlier that day, a video on Citizen Television’s X account showed two officers hitting a man. As the man tried to walk away, one officer shot him using a long-barrelled gun. The man collapsed immediately. The crowd shouted, “You have killed him.” Another video on the Nation website showed a witness claiming the man was only selling face masks, not protesting. Reuters couldn’t confirm the video but saw a man lying on the ground with a head wound and a pack of face masks in his hand. Police did not clarify if he was the same individual mentioned in their statement.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Kenyan police officer arrested had fired his anti-riot gun at a civilian. The Inspector-General of Police ordered the officer’s immediate arrest and arraignment in court. Nyaga added that investigations were already underway to ensure full accountability.
Protests broke out not only in Nairobi but also in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights recorded 21 injuries, including gunshot wounds, head cuts, whip lashes, blunt trauma, and asthma attacks from tear gas exposure. Despite the violence, demonstrators returned to the streets with signs saying, “Stop killing us.”
The case of Albert Ojwang has become a national symbol of injustice. At first, police claimed he had committed suicide in his cell. That narrative changed after an independent autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault. As a result, the police chief issued a rare apology. President William Ruto later described the death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” confirming Ojwang had died at the hands of police.
As tensions rose, unidentified motorcyclists attacked protesters. NTV aired footage showing bikers shouting “No protests” while beating demonstrators. Amnesty International Kenya also reported that the bikers, who wore hoods, used whips to strike protesters. Police spokesman Nyaga referred to them as “goons” and promised an investigation to uncover their identities.
The wave of unrest has put Kenya’s top police officials under pressure. Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, whose complaint led to Ojwang’s arrest, has stepped aside. Two senior officers and a CCTV technician were arrested for allegedly tampering with video evidence from the station where Ojwang died. These arrests suggest an attempted cover-up.
Citizen TV reported more protests in Mombasa on Tuesday. Crowds marched, chanting and waving placards. Similar scenes occurred last week in Nairobi, where protesters lit vehicles on fire. These demonstrations show how deep public frustration runs and how urgently reforms are needed.
While the Kenyan police officer arrested is now in custody, many citizens want more. They demand justice not only for Ojwang but for all victims of police abuse. They also want lasting reforms, including independent oversight, transparent investigations, and stronger legal safeguards. Without these, public trust in law enforcement will remain low.
This moment could become a turning point. The outcome of this case will show whether Kenyan authorities truly intend to fight impunity. For now, families continue to mourn, and citizens keep marching. The message is clear: enough is enough.
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