NAIROBI, Kenya – A police officer has been arrested after shooting an unarmed civilian in broad daylight during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on Tuesday evening.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, showed the officer discharging an anti-riot shotgun at close range, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, NPS said Inspector General Japhet Koome ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment of the officer involved. The officer, whose identity was not disclosed, is now in custody.
“The National Police Service has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
PRESS STATEMENT : CONCERN OVER AN INCIDENT SHOWING A POLICE OFFICER SHOOTING AT AN UNARMED CIVILIAN
The injured civilian was taken to hospital and is receiving medical attention, police said, though details of his condition remain unclear.
The incident occurred amid anti-police demonstrations in the city centre, some of which turned chaotic.
NPS also claimed that a group of “goons armed with crude weapons” infiltrated the protests and warned that it will not tolerate such groups.
“The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law,” the statement added.
Investigations into both the shooting and the alleged presence of armed gangs during the protests have been launched.
The shooting comes amid ongoing national uproar over police brutality, particularly following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier this month — a case that has intensified scrutiny on senior officers and triggered countrywide demonstrations.
