NAIROBI, Kenya – A hawker was shot by police in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday amid ongoing youth-led demonstrations demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show two police officers confronting an unarmed demonstrator along Moi Avenue before one officer raises his firearm and fires at close range.
Screams are heard in the background as the protester collapses.
Emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene moments later.
Few mins ago Police have shot someone at close range along Moi avenue!
The protester was later confirmed dead but authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the shooting.
The shocking incident comes as Gen Z demonstrators flood major streets in Nairobi, calling for accountability in Ojwang’s death and demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Tensions have been high in the capital throughout the day, with both uniformed police and alleged plainclothes operatives using force to disperse demonstrators.
Earlier, unidentified goons riding motorcycles and wielding blunt weapons were seen attacking protesters in what activists say is a coordinated attempt to intimidate them.
Civil society groups have condemned the violence and demanded swift action from oversight bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
