Photos Capture Police Shooting of Civilian Amid Protests in Nairobi

A Kenyan police officer shot a civilian vendor during a protest in Nairobi, shocking many as the incident was documented by journalists. The vendor, who survived, represented broader concerns about police brutality. The police stated the officer has been arrested amidst growing outrage and scheduled protests against police violence.

In a distressing incident captured by an Associated Press photographer, a civilian vendor was shot in the head at close range by a Kenyan police officer during a protest in Nairobi on June 17, 2025. The disturbing event, which took place on one of the city’s busiest streets, has sparked outrage across the nation amid ongoing demonstrations against police brutality. The shooting was especially controversial as it occurred in plain view of journalists, highlighting the pervasive issue of excessive force used by law enforcement in Kenya.

The sequence of the attack is particularly alarming. The vendor, who appears to have been unarmed, was seen holding a packet of face masks when the officer, wearing a face mask himself, opened fire directly as he was approaching the vendor, guns drawn. Witnesses detailed the moments leading up to the shooting, with officers jumping out of their vehicle before one of them shot the vendor as he turned away in an apparent effort to evade aggression.

Following the shooting, the vendor was quickly taken to a Nairobi hospital, where he underwent surgery. Fortunately, he survived the gunshot wound, as confirmed by a spokesperson at the hospital. The vendor is one of several individuals injured during the protests, which were ignited by recent police-related controversies, particularly the death of a blogger in police custody.

Kenya has long grappled with allegations of police brutality, including a history of extrajudicial killings during protests aimed at silencing dissent. This most recent shooting adds another grim chapter to this ongoing narrative. Protests erupted once again over the police’s excessive use of force, particularly in light of criticisms directed at the police department following the death of a critic earlier this month.

The police, in response to mounting concerns from the public and media, stated that the officer involved in the shooting had been arrested. Details regarding the officer’s identity have not been disclosed, but public outrage has prompted scrutiny on social media, with many Kenyans pointing to the officer’s uniform as a call for accountability. Additionally, President William Ruto, who has publicly vowed to address police brutality, has yet to comment on this incident, raising questions among citizens.

As tensions continue to simmer, another protest against police violence is scheduled for June 24, signaling ongoing unrest regarding the treatment of civilians at the hands of law enforcement in Kenya. This incident emphasizes the urgent need for reform within the police force and reflects the broader societal issue of police violence in the country.

This incident in Nairobi highlights the continuing struggle against police brutality in Kenya. With the civilian vendor now recovering after a close-range shooting, the public outcry and scheduled protests signal the urgency for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The pledge from officials, including the president, to curb such violence faces the challenge of longstanding public distrust, especially as protests loom in the near future.

Original Source: apnews.com