Gideon Moi: Police must face justice after vendor shot dead in Nairobi protests

KANU Chairman Gideon Moi. [File, Standard]

KANU Chairman Gideon Moi has demanded the arrest and prosecution of a police officer who shot and killed an unarmed street vendor during protests in Nairobi’s central business district.

“This was a cold-blooded shooting of an unarmed mask vendor at close range by a police officer during protests in the CBD. It is tragic and a shocking abuse of power by police,” said Moi.

The protests, held on Tuesday, June 17, were sparked by growing calls for justice following the death of Albert Ojwang. Moi said the demonstrations were peaceful until armed groups took over.

“Equally alarming is the infiltration of peaceful protests by a ragtag militia, brazenly wielding batons and robbing pedestrians and bystanders in broad daylight,” said Moi, adding, “This is lawlessness being entrenched under the watch of law enforcement.”

Moi said police failed in their duty to protect both the public and demonstrators, choosing instead to look away as gangs assaulted civilians.

“The role of the police is to protect citizens, including protesters exercising their constitutional rights, and not to stand by as marauding goons unleash terror on innocent people,” he added.

A now-viral video shows two officers confronting the street vendor, who was reportedly selling face masks. The officers briefly corner and assault him before one opens fire at close range. The man collapses instantly, masks still in his hand.

The victim’s identity was not immediately confirmed. The officers, whose faces were covered, walked away after the shooting. Protesters carried the man’s body to the Bliss Medical Centre.

Witnesses said the protests turned chaotic as baton-wielding youth riding motorbikes arrived in pairs and small groups, mugging demonstrators and pedestrians. Businesses shut down out of fear of looting.

Protest organisers said their march was peaceful until it was hijacked.

Moi urged the government to act swiftly to restore public trust and deliver justice.

“While we condemn these actions, that police officer must be identified, arrested and charged,” said Moi.