Kenyan Police Officer Shoots Civilian Vendor Amid Protests in Nairobi

A Kenyan police officer shot a civilian vendor during protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025. The incident, captured by an AP photographer, illustrates the ongoing issue of police brutality in Kenya. The vendor survived and is in surgery, amid growing public outrage and calls for accountability.

On June 17, 2025, protests erupted in Nairobi, Kenya, fueled by outrage over police brutality. An Associated Press photographer captured a harrowing incident where a police officer shot an apparently unarmed civilian in the head during these protests. What happened was startling, as it unfolded on a bustling street, witnessed by many, including journalists. The images have drawn considerable attention for their graphic content, as they starkly illustrate the extensive issue of police violence in the nation.

The civilian in question appeared to be a vendor, carrying a packet of face masks for sale, not actively participating in the protest. Photos show an officer jumping from a vehicle with his weapon drawn, followed by him aiming at the vendor. The situation escalated quickly, as the officer pushed the man, who raised his hands defensively. Next, in a shocking moment, the officer fired, and the vendor collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Miraculously, the victim survived the initial shooting and received treatment at a nearby hospital. Healthcare official Patrick Amoth later confirmed that the unidentified man was in surgery and required intensive care. He was not alone in suffering gunshot wounds; however, his image has come to symbolize the growing frustration with police violence in Kenya.

Kenya has faced longstanding controversy surrounding police actions during protests, with accusations of extrajudicial killings often surfacing. Civil rights organizations track these incidents closely, attempting to shed light on ongoing brutality cases. The recent demonstrations were particularly sparked by the death of a blogger in police custody, stirring public outrage and calls for justice.

In the aftermath of the shooting, unrest continues as the police announced that the officer involved had been arrested, though he remains unnamed. Meanwhile, President William Ruto, who has previously expressed a commitment to curbing police violence, did not address the incident immediately. As frustrations brew, a subsequent protest against police brutality is slated for June 24, signaling that public dissent shows no signs of abating.

The recent incident in Nairobi highlights the troubling issue of police brutality in Kenya. The shooting of a civilian vendor during a protest raises significant concerns about police conduct and accountability. With growing public outrage, including planned future protests, this issue remains at the forefront of national discourse. The arrest of the officer involved indicates an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation, but many Kenyans await substantive changes.

Original Source: apnews.com