Police shooting, state-sanctioned gang violence sparks outrage

State sponsored goons whipping journalists and protestors along Waiyaki Way during Justice For Albert Ojwang Protests on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] The brutality meted out on protestors and the rising cases of extrajudicial killings by police have sparked widespread condemnation nationally and internationally. The Judiciary, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Catholic Church, diplomatic missions and various human rights organisations have criticised the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators and the alarming pattern of police killings. The demonstrations, sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody on June 8, escalated into violence particularly in Nairobi where several peaceful protestors were attacked and a hawker shot at point-blank range by a police officer. Boniface Kariuki, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital. LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned what she described as "cut-throat violence" meted out against demonstrators by the police and militia-like groups. "We have received and reviewed multiple images of this rogue gang walking and working hand-in-hand with the police to harass citizens and deprive them of their rights," she said. Odhiambo pointed out the shooting of Kariuki as "murderous, unjustified, and premeditated". "Sadly, those whom the people of Kenya have entrusted to protect their lives and property are at the heart of undermining the safety and security of Kenyans. "Should this trend be allowed to continue, the relationship between the public and Police faces the risk of damage beyond repair that cannot become our reality as a nation," the lawyers warned. When Justice for Ojwang protesters set a blaze a motor bike believed to belong to one of suspected hired goons that attempted to disrupt the protests on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] LSK reported that 17 casualties were reported across the country on Tuesday. "Such disregard for human life is the very reason behind the ongoing series of protests, and it is an abomination that the police respond to calls for their reform by perpetrating further atrocities and extrajudicial killings." The LSK boss also pointed out another incident caught on camera where an advocate, Ken Otieno, was attacked on Koinange Street by a mob escorted by the police. While acknowledging that the officer in question has been arrested, society demanded the release of his identity and prosecution. The Judiciary regretted the rising incidents of police brutality and the growing trend of peaceful protests being infiltrated by goons. Spokesperson Paul Ndemo challenged the National Police Service to identify, apprehend, and prosecute officers involved as well as those who sponsor violence. While calling for comprehensive reforms in the police service, LSK demanded an inquiry into all cases of excessive force and extrajudicial killings, and transparency from healthcare institutions where victims of police brutality are treated. "We urge that while the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality cannot be gainsaid, there is an overwhelming public interest in keeping the public updated and aware of the number of victims of police brutality they receive, the extent and cause of injuries sustained by the victims, and the level of treatment they receive," Odhiambo argued. Lawyers also demanded full disclosure of investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and swift prosecution of all implicated officers by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. "There is sufficient material and evidence from members of the public to sustain investigations, indictment and prosecution of the many Police Officers who continue to put Kenya's security organs in disrepute ." LSK said delays in prosecuting police officers weaken justice and risk compromising cases. The British High Commission also raised concerns on police brutality, stating that the force must command the "trust and confidence" of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect. "We urge a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police," said the spokesperson. "We send our best wishes for the swift recovery of those injured during yesterday's violence." The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) - Kenya regretted that the protests ended with yet another civilian critically injured by police bullets. ICJ chairperson Protas Saende described the shooting "a violent rupture of the social contract," pointing to a growing pattern of impunity. ICJ described the incident as "a scene more fitting of a failed state than a functioning democracy." "His only offence was existing in a system where law enforcement is increasingly divorced from the law itself," said Saende. "It is a damning indictment of a police system that has become untethered from public service, public trust, and the Constitution ." ICJ blamed opaque investigations and a lack of accountability in the chain of command for enabling repeated abuses. Journalists run for safety in Nairobi's city center during protest against the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang' while in police custody. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Calling the incident a gross violation of both domestic and international standards - including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force - ICJ demanded an immediate, independent investigation into Kariuki's shooting. They also demanded a comprehensive audit of all police firearm use during crowd control operations. Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi Philip Anyolo highlighted two incidents of the Tuesday protests. "We are saddened by the incidences that happened yesterday in the city of Nairobi especially by the free operation of groups of goons robbing, beating citizens, and destroying property in the eyes and without interference by security agencies and the shooting of an innocent Kenyan who appeared to be uninvolved in the protest," said Anyolo. He urged all Kenyans to pray for the country for divine intervention with respect to human life and dignity, law and order and for those who have lost their lives, relatives and livelihoods. The Civic Freedoms Forum, a conglomeration of civil societies, demanded the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, over the escalating police repression. "This tactic of outsourcing brutality to informal actors is unlawful, cowardly, and must be investigated thoroughly." Civil societies also demanded the immediate public disclosure of the name and rank of the officer involved and his speedy prosecution.

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