Outrage in Kenya: Police Shoot Bystander as Protests Over Blogger’s Death Intensify
A shocking incident in Nairobi has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability, as Kenyan police shot an unarmed bystander at close range during protests over the killing of a blogger in custody earlier this month. The shooting, witnessed by an Associated Press journalist, has added fuel to the fire of public anger, with hundreds of protesters clashing with police in the capital.
The incident occurred when a masked police officer shot a vendor, who was holding a packet of face masks, in the head as he walked away from a confrontation with two officers on a Nairobi sidewalk. The victim, along with 10 others injured in the demonstration, is being treated at Kenya’s largest referral government hospital, where the hospital spokesperson confirmed that the injuries included gunshot wounds.
The police have expressed concern over the incident and announced the arrest of the officer involved. However, this has done little to quell the anger of protesters, who are demanding the arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat, who had filed a defamation complaint against the blogger, Albert Ojwang, before his death in custody. Langat has since stepped aside to allow for investigations and has pledged to cooperate with investigating agencies.
The protests, which turned violent after motorcycle riders attacked protesters and passersby, have highlighted the long-standing issue of police brutality in Kenya. President William Ruto had previously vowed to end this brutality, along with extrajudicial killings, but the latest incident has raised questions about the government’s commitment to reform. Last year’s abduction and killing of activists and protesters by Kenyan police during finance bill protests led to calls for Ruto’s removal, and the current situation is unlikely to ease the pressure on the government.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Kenya will not tolerate police brutality and demands for accountability will only grow louder. The international community will be watching closely to see how the Kenyan government responds to these demands and whether it will take concrete steps to address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis.
