Kenyan cop gets detained over shooting unarmed resident
(MENAFN) A Kenyan police officer has been arrested for shooting an unarmed civilian during protests in Nairobi, which were sparked by public outrage over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, saying the incident was taken “with great concern” and that the Inspector-General had ordered the officer's immediate detention and prosecution.
According to the Associated Press, a masked officer was seen shooting an unarmed man at close range with an anti-riot shotgun. The victim, reportedly a street vendor, was caught in a confrontation with officers and was shot in the head as he walked away. He was taken to Kenya’s main public hospital along with at least ten others injured in the protests.
The unrest began after Ojwang, 31, was arrested in Homa Bay County on June 7 for allegedly defaming Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat online. He was transferred to Nairobi and found unconscious in his jail cell two days later, eventually dying in hospital. Authorities claimed he committed suicide, but an independent autopsy revealed signs of physical assault.
Three individuals — two senior officers and a CCTV technician — have been arrested in connection with the alleged cover-up involving surveillance footage at the police station.
President William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” acknowledging police responsibility. On Tuesday, riot police used tear gas on demonstrators in Nairobi, where tensions escalated further after motorcycle gangs reportedly attacked protesters and stole personal belongings.
Kenya has a long history of unrest tied to allegations of police brutality. In 2023, nationwide demonstrations against a controversial finance bill led to dozens of deaths.
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