Kenyan police officer detained due to shooting unarmed resident
(MENAFN) A Kenyan police officer has been arrested for shooting an unarmed civilian during protests in Nairobi, which erupted following the death of a blogger in police custody, according to a security official. Muchiri Nyaga, spokesperson for the National Police Service, expressed serious concern over the incident and confirmed that the officer involved was immediately arrested and will face court charges.
The Associated Press reported witnessing the officer, whose face was masked, shoot a man at close range with what appeared to be a shotgun. The police later confirmed the weapon used was an anti-riot shotgun. The victim, believed to be a street vendor, was caught in a confrontation with two officers while on a Nairobi sidewalk. He was shot in the head while walking away and was hospitalized alongside at least ten others injured during the protests.
The demonstrations were triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger and teacher, who died after being detained for allegedly defaming Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat on social media. Ojwang was arrested on June 7 in Homa Bay County and later transferred to Nairobi. Authorities initially claimed he committed suicide in custody, but an independent autopsy indicated he was assaulted. Three police officials, including two senior officers and a CCTV technician, have been arrested in connection with his death.
Kenyan President William Ruto described the blogger’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” During protests in Nairobi, riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Some demonstrators were also targeted by unidentified motorcyclists who attempted to break up the protests by snatching phones and bags.
Kenya has a history of violent protests, including deadly clashes last year over a controversial finance bill aimed at increasing government revenue.
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