Photos Capture Shooting of Civilian by Kenyan Police Officer Amid Protests
An Associated Press photographer captured a shocking moment in Nairobi where a police officer shot an unarmed civilian during protests against police brutality. The vendor, who was reportedly selling face masks, was injured but survived and is now recovering in a hospital. The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyans, reigniting discussions about police violence and accountability in the country.
Nairobi, Kenya – An alarming incident captured by an Associated Press photographer on June 17, 2025, shows a Kenyan police officer shooting a civilian in the head at close range during a protest against police brutality. This startling event unfolded on one of the busiest streets in Nairobi and has provoked outrage among Kenyans, many of whom have witnessed similar acts of violence against civilians.
The graphic photos document a sequence of events wherein a man, appearing to be a vendor rather than an active protester, was struck by the officer’s gunfire. Eyewitness accounts suggest he was selling face masks and fell while still holding a packet of them, which adds to the tragedy of the moment. Daily life in Nairobi has been increasingly marred by such episodes of aggression, particularly against those who question authority.
In a chilling sequence, images reveal officers exiting a vehicle, armed and ready. One officer, masked and poised, fires towards the crowd of protesters, which remains just out of the frame. The officer then approaches the vendor with another colleague, guns drawn, although their intentions remain unclear. As the vendor raises his hands defensively, he is forcibly pushed. In a seemingly instinctual response, he glances back, right before the officer raises his weapon again and pulls the trigger. The man collapses onto the sidewalk following the shot.
Post shooting, the officer, alongside his colleague, stepped away from the scene as the wounded vendor was rushed to a Nairobi hospital. Fortunately, it has been reported that he survived and is currently undergoing surgery. A spokesperson for the hospital indicated that other individuals injured during the protest were also being treated, emphasizing the broader implications of this incident. Senior health ministry official Patrick Amoth confirmed that the vendor, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, is in stable condition but admitted that trauma from the event structures significant risks.
This incident draws attention to the long-standing issue of police violence in Kenya. Extrajudicial killings during protests have been rampant, with reports suggesting a history of officers silencing dissent through lethal actions. The police force has been scrutinized and watchdog organizations diligently track these occurrences, though little meaningful change has been observed.
The protest that provoked Tuesday’s violence was sparked by the recent death of a blogger in police custody, further igniting public frustration over ongoing issues of policing and human rights abuses. As the backlash mounted over the shooting, the police department issued a statement claiming that the officer involved had been arrested. However, no details regarding his identity were shared, yet many Kenyans quickly recognized him by his uniform.
President William Ruto, who has pledged to address the issue of police brutality, has yet to comment on this particular incident. As public outrage intensifies, another demonstration against police violence is anticipated on June 24, potentially signaling more widespread unrest.
In summary, the shooting of a civilian by a Kenyan police officer during protests has resurfaced critical discussions surrounding police brutality in the country. Witness accounts and graphic images reveal an alarming sequence leading to the vendor’s injury, igniting outrage among citizens. As protests rise amidst ongoing demands for accountability and justice, this incident underscores the urgent need for reforms within the police force. The public awaits responses from leaders, particularly President William Ruto, as the country prepares for further protests.
Original Source: apnews.com
