Nairobi Mask Vendor Police Shooting – Latest and Live Update
A trader was shot with a bullet in point-blank range by anti-riot police officers in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday during a protest, causing nationwide outrage and fresh calls for the police to be held accountable. The protesters were demanding that Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat resigns.
Here is a timeline Flashnews has managed to obtain so far…
Father of Shot Nairobi Vendor Speaks Out, Confirms Son Undergoing Treatment at KNH
The parent of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, who was shot by an anti-riot police officer in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi on Tuesday, has spoken out on the incident, lamenting shock and disbelief at his son’s state.
The victim, a street vendor, is on admission at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he has been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following surgery.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday morning, Kariuki’s father recounted how he learned of the incident through social media and a phone call from one of his son’s close friends.
“I received a phone call from his friends who told me that my son had been shot. At first, when I saw his image on social media, I could not promptly confirm if it was him; however, I later identified him,” he said.
He also described the traumatic experience of seeing a video in which his son was getting shot. “When I saw the photo of him injured, I was so shocked and broken, I could not believe what I had seen. From the video that I watched using my phone, I saw the police shooting him,” he continued.
According to the father, Kariuki, the eldest of four children, was engaged in his regular business of selling face masks and beauty products in the city centre when the incident occurred.
Upon receiving confirmation of the shooting around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Kariuki’s father abandoned his journey home and proceeded directly to KNH.
He clarified reports going around the passing away of his son, “I visited my son in the ICU; he was in a dire condition and placed on oxygen. His heart was still beating. But when I saw him at the hospital, I became hopeful,” said the father.
“My son is a vendor within this city. He usually sells masks and sometimes beauty products such as earrings. When I arrived here at the hospital, the doctors assured me that they would help my son,” he added.
Jonah Kariuki, father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki a mask vendor who was shot and injured by an anti-riot police along Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD during the Tuesday heated protests speak outside Kenyatta National Hospital(KNH) with reports indicating that his son is fighting for his… pic.twitter.com/Pa614HxQhz
— City Mirror (@citymirrorKE) June 18, 2025
Doctors at the hospital have since performed surgery on Kariuki and are monitoring his recovery.
Two Police Officers in Nairobi Hawker Shooting Identity Revealed
Two officers, Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono, have been identified as the police officers who were at the centre of a Nairobi street hawker shooting during a protest on the afternoon of Tuesday, 28th May 2025. The shooting occurred amidst chaotic moments in the capital and has triggered popular outrage and calls for police accountability.
The officers, who were based at Kileleshwa Police Station, were deployed to quell protests in Nairobi when they were filmed on video confronting a hawker, who came to be identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki. The confrontation escalated into violence as one of the officers fatally shot Kariuki. The video had gone viral on social media and attracted universal condemnation from the public and human rights organizations.
Following the incident, the two officers were detained and are currently in custody at the Capitol Hill Police Station in Nairobi. Although their ranks have not yet been announced, authorities confirmed that they are being held for interrogation and would be charged in court.
Defense attorney Felix Kiton, representing the accused officers, said outside Capitol Hill Police Station that he and his lawyers had not yet been permitted to view their clients. “We are still seeking information on the charges and what the next steps are,” Kiton said.
Kenyan Leaders Clash Over Police Brutality in Mask Vendor Shooting
The murder of the mask vendor has inflamed heated national debates about police violence, government, and human rights. While views are polarized regarding the causes and actions, there is a consensus on one front: accountability. Citizens’ pressure is mounting on the authorities to conduct inquiries in the public eye, provide justice, and implement reforms to prevent further loss of lives of innocent citizens.
Here are some reactions from various leaders:
Esther Passaris: “This Is Systemic Failure, Not Isolated Brutality”
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris issued a sternly worded statement mourning the shooting of the vendor and calling for sweeping police reform. She emphasized that the tragedy was not the result of an individual bad apple of an officer but a consequence of broader institutional rot.
“Another Kenyan has lost his life; a mask vendor, shot in cold blood. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Passaris said. “What we’re witnessing is not just isolated brutality; it is the result of systemic failure: poor recruitment standards, inadequate training, mental burnout, and a culture of impunity.”
Calling for government intervention, she urged officials to fund mandatory body cameras, psychosocial therapy for police officers, and professional training in the police service. “I mourn with the family of the vendor, just as I mourn for Albert Ojwang and so many others. But mourning is not enough. Prayers are not enough. It’s time to act.”
It was later revealed that the patiant is alive and fighting for his own life in hospital.
Karua and Amisi: Extrajudicial Killings Must End
Leader of the People’s Liberation Party, Martha Karua, added her voice to the growing chorus of condemnation. In a short but powerful statement, she challenged the recurring pattern of police brutality: “Another endless extrajudicial execution. How many deaths will it take for you to stop this?”
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi also responded in outrage, condemning in the strongest terms possible the use of deadly force by the officer. Amisi said. “Why shoot young people on the street? Kenya needs a renaissance.”
Cliff Ombeta and Iain Njiraini: A Clear Case of Murder
Criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta described the incident as a “clear case of murder,” pointing out the lack of provocation or threat from the victim. “No provocation. No self-defence. Motive for murder was created instantly,” he said.
Political commentator and pilot Iain Njiraini described the killing as a betrayal of public trust. “What has become of our police? The same men trusted to protect us have turned into our worst enemies,” he lamented. “Just a struggling man, probably trying to earn a few coins to put food on his family’s table, gunned down like his life meant nothing.”
Njiraini said the shooting triggered further unrest: “Angry and heartbroken Kenyans poured into the streets to demand justice. But what did they get instead? More bullets.” He warned that the incident passes a ominous message from the authorities: that no one, not even unarmed civilians, are safe.
Gideon Moi: “Lawlessness Is Being Entrenched by Law Enforcement”
Ex-politician and ex-senator Gideon Moi also condemned both the shooting and increasing criminal involvement in protests. He called the incident a “tragic and appalling abuse of authority” and denounced the public visibility of armed gangs disrupting peaceful protests while police allegedly did nothing.
“This is lawlessness being entrenched under the watch of law enforcement,” Moi stated. “The role of the police is to protect citizens, including protesters exercising their constitutional rights, not to stand by as marauding goons unleash terror on innocent people.” He called for the officer involved to be identified, arrested, and charged without delay.
Rigathi Gachagua: “Kenya Is Becoming a Pariah State”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was not left behind in his account of the incidents, attributing the violence to the government. He claimed that not only the police but government-sponsored thugs were deployed to scatter peaceful demonstrators.
“The whole world stages our nation as a pariah state,” Gachagua declared. “I had clearly warned of a plan by the president and the governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs… This has come to pass.”
Kimani Ichung’wah and Dido Raso: Calls for Respect Toward Police
Although all denounced the use of lethal force, some other political leaders defended the police, calling on members of the public to accord greater respect to the police. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah referred to another incident in Nakuru where a police officer restrained himself when attacked with a machete.
“I must commend that officer… He maintained his cool,” Ichung’wah told Parliament. “That is the kind of spirit we want to see. But we must also speak to our people—let us treat our policemen and women with respect, honour, and the dignity that they deserve.”
Dido Ali Raso, Saku MP, seconded Ichung’wah, suggesting that recent tensions between police and civilians are being driven by political rhetoric. Although he acknowledged the need for internal discipline within the National Police Service, Raso was adamant that the public also needs to give respect to officers.
“The relationship between Kenyans and the National Police Service must be restored,” he said. “The National Police Service must take full control of the discipline of its rank and file.”
KNH Contradicts Death Reports as Shooting Victim Fights for Life
There has been mixed information about the status of the face mask vendor who was gunned down by a police officer during protests against police brutality in Nairobi, as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and government officials gave conflicting updates on his condition.
The victim, who was shot at close range on Moi Avenue on June 10, had earlier been pronounced dead after horrific videos of the shooting went viral online. Fresh remarks by health authorities, however, indicate that he survived the attack and had been rushed for emergency neurosurgery.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General of Health, provided a medical update in an interview with KTN News, where he stated that the patient was taken to KNH around 4:00 a.m. on accident day. He further stated that the victim’s identification was still yet to be confirmed when he briefed.
“Patient was received here at around 04:00. We still don’t have his details in terms of his name, his age,” Dr. Amoth said. “He was promptly evaluated by the emergency team… evaluation by the neurosurgeons indicated that it required an emergency neurosurgical procedure. As we speak, the patient is in theatre with the neurosurgical team.”
Dr. Amoth added that the hospital had also arranged for an intensive care unit (ICU) bed for post-operative treatment, due to the extent of the injuries. ““A case of such nature requires ICU support immediately in the post-op period,” he added, without explaining the severity of the damage, prior to the outcome of the procedure.
The revision comes in contrast to early public speculations—and some media reports—that the victim had died at the crime scene. The discrepancy has fueled public uncertainty and demands for explanation by both the National Police Service (NPS) and the Ministry of Health.
Patrick Amoth: As we speak, the patient (city hawker who was shot) is in theatre with the neurosurgical team. As a precaution, we have prepared an ICU bed because a case of such nature requires ICU support immediately in the post-surgery period.#KTNPrime pic.twitter.com/LxXFaiSMWr
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) June 17, 2025
Mask Vendor Shot in Nairobi Is From Homa Bay County – Millie Odhiambo
Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has identified the street vendor who was shot by a police officer during Tuesday’s protest in Nairobi as being from Homa Bay County. She has called on the police to be calm when dealing with protests, as the application of excessive force may lead to unnecessary casualties and injuries.
The incident occurred on June 10 along Moi Avenue, where a police officer was filmed shooting a face mask vendor at close range during demonstrations against police brutality. The video became viral and caused an outrage among members of the public across the country.
Speaking to the National Assembly floor, Odhiambo condemned the actions of the officer and informed the House that initial reports show that the victim is from the Suba region of Homa Bay County.
“The police need to restrain themselves. That young man was selling masks because people were demonstrating,” she said.
“I’ve watched the clip. It’s completely reckless and irresponsible what that officer did.”
The MP criticized what she referred to as “trigger-happy” behavior among some officers, arguing that such conduct undermines ongoing efforts to address extrajudicial killings and erodes public trust in law enforcement.
Odhiambo also lamented a series of recent violent deaths of constituents from her home county. They include the April 30th killing of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were and the June 8th custodial death of Homa Bay blogger and educator Albert Ojwang’.
“We’re tired of mourning in Homa Bay. We’re dying of unnatural causes,” she said emotionally in Parliament. “Let us die of natural causes — please. Ong’ondo Were, Ojwang’, all of us are being killed. Who will remain in Homa Bay?”
Ojwang’ was alleged to have been detained for publishing allegedly defamatory content about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. He died from injuries sustained when he was assaulted, the court was told, by fellow prisoners—who were reportedly bribed and provided with alcohol—while in police cells. Several individuals, including the Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam and a junior officer, are in custody. DIG Lagat proceeded on leave on Monday to allow for an impartial investigation.
Officer Who Shot Mask Seller During Protests Arrested – NPS Says
One of the police officers, who shot and killed an unarmed vendor of masks during protests in the Central Business District of Nairobi on June 17, 2025, has been arrested, according to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS). The protests, demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, turned chaotic after armed groups disrupted the proceedings.
On Tuesday evening, in a statement confirming the arrest of the officer, directly as instructed by Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not disclose the name and photograph of the officer, unlike tradition.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service has ordered the immediate arrest, investigation and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” the statement read in part.
“Furthermore, NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons, in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings.”
“Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly.”
The victim of the shooting was taken to hospital where he is being treated. No further details on his condition have been released.
Law Society of Kenya Condemns Police Shooting as ‘Unacceptable’
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has come out in a stern condemnation of the police shooting that happened on Tuesday along Moi Avenue in the Central Business District of Nairobi.
In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo termed the actions of the anti-riot police officers as “unacceptable” and demanded immediate and transparent investigations into the incident.
“We cannot stand by as law enforcement officers blatantly violate the rights of citizens. The use of excessive force and extrajudicial action cannot be tolerated in a constitutional democracy,” said Odhiambo.
The LSK has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to move with speed and prosecute those involved in the matter under the law. The institution noted that if they do not act, they would be sidelining public trust in Kenya’s justice system and democratic institutions.
Additionally, society once more pledged its commitment to ensuring that the rule of law is defended and human rights are protected, and that they are prepared to offer legal support to the victim and file public interest litigation if necessary.
“This is not just an attack on one man—it is an attack on the rule of law itself,” the LSK president added.
The LSK declaration has added more momentum to the growing public demand for justice, with human rights activists and civil society actors piling pressure on police reforms and accountability.
Unacceptable! pic.twitter.com/2DwMvajFkT
— Faith Odhiambo (@FaithOdhiambo8) June 17, 2025
Caught on Tape: Nairobi Police Shoot Mask Seller During Protest
A man was shot by anti-riot police officers on Tuesday, May 28, along Moi Avenue in the Central Business District of Nairobi during public protests demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. The action has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability in the police service.
Two police officers in uniform were filmed attacking a hawker who was selling face masks at the protest site, in a video that has gone viral on social media. The video shows the officers assaulting the man physically before one of them, who was noticeably armed, shot him at close range and fled the scene.
The shooting occurred amid demonstrations in Nairobi, during which protesters have been airing complaints against alleged police misbehavior and demanding change in leadership at the National Police Service.
Eyewitnesses recounted that several bystanders promptly rushed to the aid of the injured man, whisking him away from the scene in an attempt to get him treated. The victim’s condition has not been made public.
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Nairobi Mask Vendor Police Shooting – Latest and Live Update