Amoth: man shot by police admitted to KNH, now in surgery

Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

A man shot by police in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday is recuperating in surgery, as protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang escalated across the city.

 The victim, whose name and age remain unconfirmed, was reportedly selling face masks when he was shot at close range by police.

A widely shared video shows two officers confronting the man, briefly assaulting him before one of them opens fire.

He collapses instantly, still holding a bundle of masks, as the officers walk away with their faces concealed by helmets.

“The patient was received at around 4 p.m. at Kenyatta National Hospital,” said Health Director-General Patrick Amoth.

“He was promptly evaluated by the emergency team and required an emergency neurosurgical procedure. As we speak, the patient is in theatre. We have prepared an ICU bed, because a case of such requires an ICU support,” he added.

Witnesses said the man appeared to be an uninvolved bystander caught in the chaos.

The shooting has reignited public outrage and fresh calls for police accountability. Protesters accused officers of targeting civilians with excessive force, even as demonstrations remained largely peaceful.

Meanwhile, small groups of youths riding motorbikes were seen mugging pedestrians and disrupting businesses, many of which shut down amid fears of looting.