Photos Capture Shooting of Civilian by Kenyan Police Officer Amid Protests
A police officer in Nairobi shot a civilian vendor during protests on June 17, 2025. The incident, captured by photographers, prompted outrage over police brutality in Kenya. Although the man was injured, he survived and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. This marks another example of the ongoing crisis of police violence during public demonstrations.
Photos documenting a shocking incident in Nairobi, Kenya show a police officer shooting a civilian at close range amid protests on June 17, 2025. This event escalates concerns surrounding rampant police violence that has plagued the nation for years, with many Kenyans becoming increasingly furious about officers’ actions in public demonstrations. Notably, the incident unfolded in plain sight of journalists, making it rare and significantly alarming to witnesses.
The photos depict a sequence of events leading up to the shooting, featuring a man who appeared to be a vendor selling face masks. Video evidence shows officers dismounting from a vehicle armed with guns. Tension escalated as the officer, whose face was covered, fired towards an area off-frame where other protesters presumably gathered. Following this, both officers approached the vendor, though the reasons remain unclear, and the situation rapidly turned aggressive.
As the vendor, seemingly confused, raised his hands in defense, the officer drew his weapon and shot him. Footage captures the moment he collapsed to the ground, causing further outrage in the streets and on social media. Despite the chaos, the officer and his partner simply walked away.
Fortunately, the vendor was transported to the hospital for treatment where a spokesperson confirmed he survived the ordeal. This was not an isolated incident, as other protesters were also affected, but the vendor quickly became a symbol of the violence faced by demonstrators. Patrick Amoth, a senior health official in Kenya, stated that while the man remained unidentified at the time, he was in surgery and required an intensive care bed for post-operative recovery.
Kenya has witnessed a troubling history concerning police-related fatalities during protests, with allegations of extrajudicial killings becoming more pronounced. Over the years, there has been persistent clamor for accountability and reassurances from government officials aimed at curbing these aggressive behaviors. The protest in question was spurred by the recent death of a blogger in police custody following accusations of defamation.
As outrage mounted over the shooting, media coverage intensified with headlines highlighting the alarming actions of the police. In response, police announced that the officer involved in the shooting had been arrested, although officials refrained from disclosing his identity. Meanwhile, President William Ruto, who has pledged reforms to tackle police brutality, has yet to provide a response to this incident. Another protest against such abuses is scheduled for June 24, hinting that the tension is far from over.
The incident highlights ongoing issues of police brutality in Kenya, where excessive force has frequently marred protests. Amid rising anger from the public, authorities face mounting pressure to address these abuses decisively. The recent shooting of a civilian vendor, captured in graphic detail, brings renewed focus on a culture of violence within the police force. As protests arise against this alarming trend, officials must confront their commitment to change and accountability.
Original Source: apnews.com
