NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Kingdom’s High Commission in Kenya has issued a sharp rebuke over what it termed a “systematic pattern” of police brutality during anti-government protests in Nairobi, urging swift and transparent accountability measures.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the UK Embassy expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown by Kenyan police during Tuesday’s protests, which were sparked by public outrage over the death of Albert Ojwang—a Voi-based teacher and blogger—under suspicious circumstances in police custody.
“We send our best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in yesterday’s violence,” the UK High Commission said, referring to clashes in Nairobi’s Central Business District that left multiple demonstrators wounded.
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 protests, which demanded the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, turned chaotic after officers reportedly fired tear gas and live ammunition at demonstrators.
A particularly harrowing video that emerged online shows a face mask vendor being beaten and shot at close range by a police officer on Moi Avenue, as bystanders screamed in horror and rushed to carry the bleeding man away.
The embassy stressed that police must maintain the trust and confidence of the public, calling for a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the use of force during the protests.
The diplomatic condemnation comes amid growing domestic and international scrutiny of Kenya’s law enforcement practices.
Civil rights organizations, legal bodies, and political leaders have all decried the police’s heavy-handed response to the protests.
“This is unacceptable. We cannot have police officers acting with impunity,” said Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, who added her voice to calls for the immediate suspension and prosecution of the officers involved.
Ojwang’s death has become a rallying cry for a wider movement against police violence, with protesters demanding structural reforms and increased accountability within the National Police Service.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said it is investigating the incident, while pressure continues to mount on the Interior Ministry and the Office of the Inspector General of Police to act decisively.
