NAIROBI, Kenya – Opposition leader Raila Odinga has issued a strong condemnation of the fatal police shooting of an unarmed hawker in Nairobi’s Central Business District, calling the incident part of a “systematic pattern of police brutality” under President William Ruto’s administration.
In a statement released Tuesday, Odinga described the video footage of the incident — which shows a police officer shooting a face mask vendor at close range — as “horrifying to watch,” and said the officer faced no threat that would warrant the use of lethal force.
“Our police officers have completely gone rogue,” Odinga said. “There was no imminent threat posed to the officer, yet he chose to use excessive and lethal force against an innocent civilian.”
The shooting, which occurred during a Gen Z-led protest in Nairobi, has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over police conduct during public demonstrations.
Activists say the hawker, was not part of the protests and was simply conducting business nearby when he was gunned down.
“We Are in a Dangerous Moment”
Odinga warned that the increasing militarization of protest response risks plunging the country into deeper crisis unless urgent reforms are undertaken.
“Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, and I call upon the President to urgently address this escalating situation before it spirals out of control,” he said.
The former Prime Minister’s remarks come just days after the suspicious death of Alfred Ojwang, a protester who died in police custody.
Civil society groups say the two incidents point to a dangerous trend of unchecked police violence against unarmed civilians — particularly youth-led protesters demanding reform and accountability.
Statement on the Death of Albert Ojwang
Demands for Justice
Rights groups, including the International Justice Mission (IJM) and Amnesty Kenya, have also condemned the incident and called for immediate action by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
IJM said the incident was “disproportionate and unjustified,” and part of a broader erosion of accountability within the National Police Service.
Odinga echoed those calls, urging swift investigations and prosecutions to restore public trust in law enforcement.
“The continued use of violence by law enforcement against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must be met with immediate accountability,” he said.
The officer involved in the shooting has since been arrested, according to preliminary police reports, and the victim remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital.
