NAIROBI, Kenya – The Embassy of Finland in Kenya has condemned the use of excessive force by police against unarmed demonstrators during Tuesday’s anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi, calling for a swift and independent investigation into the incident.
In a statement posted Wednesday morning, the Finnish mission said it was “deeply disturbed” by reports of police violence against civilians and peaceful protestors, including the shooting of street vendor Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who was critically injured after being shot at close range in the capital’s Central Business District.
“Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect,” the Embassy said. “We urge a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police.”
Police forces must command the trust & confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve & protect. We are deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians & protestors yesterday.We urge a swift, independent & transparent investigation into the actions of the police.
The statement also conveyed Finland’s wishes for a speedy recovery for all those injured during the demonstrations.
The remarks from Finland follow mounting international concern over the Kenyan police’s response to public protests in recent days.
Human rights groups, foreign missions, and legal associations have all called for accountability, transparency, and structural reforms within the National Police Service.
International Pressure Mounting
Finland joins a growing list of foreign governments—including the United Kingdom and the United Nations—urging the Kenyan government to uphold constitutional freedoms, ensure accountability for officers who use excessive force, and guarantee the safety of protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
The violent crackdown has become a focal point of national and international outrage following the deaths of multiple individuals in police custody and graphic footage showing officers using live ammunition against demonstrators.
At the heart of the latest protests was the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and digital activist who died in police custody.
The situation escalated after Kariuki’s shooting, which was captured on video and widely circulated online.
Calls for Accountability Continue
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched investigations into police conduct during the protests and confirmed receiving reports of at least 13 serious injuries, including Kariuki’s.
Two police officers—Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono—have been interdicted and are under investigation over the shooting.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s civil society, opposition leaders, and the Law Society of Kenya have renewed demands for police reforms, an end to extrajudicial killings, and the prosecution of officers responsible for unlawful use of force.
