Photos Capture Shooting of Civilian by Kenyan Police Officer Amid Protests

Photos have surfaced showing a Kenyan police officer shooting a civilian vendor during protests in Nairobi, prompting public outrage and discussions on police brutality. The vendor was shot at close range and later hospitalized but survived. This incident highlights ongoing issues of police violence in the country, particularly against unarmed individuals during protests.

Photos recently captured the shocking moment when a Kenyan police officer shot a civilian during protests in Nairobi, and it is raising serious concerns about police conduct. The incident took place on June 17, 2025, in the city’s bustling streets, where Kenyans have increasingly grown tired of police brutality that often leads to violence against protesters.

The Associated Press reported that this shooting was particularly alarming as it occurred in plain sight of journalists. The man shot appeared not to be a demonstrator but rather a vendor, holding a packet of face masks—his wares scattered nearby after the incident. The AP decided to publish the graphic photos to bring attention to police actions caught on camera.

In a sequence of events depicted in the photos, the man, seemingly unsuspecting, found himself on the receiving end of police aggression. Witnesses saw officers dismount from a vehicle brandishing firearms before confronting the vendor. Details on the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, with officers approaching him with weapons drawn, after which he was pushed back in a scuffle. The officer then fired, and the man collapsed.

Following the shooting, the vendor was quickly transported to a Nairobi hospital, joining several others who sustained injuries during the demonstrations. Reports confirm that he survived the encounter and was undergoing surgery, with officials stating he might require intensive care.

Kenya has faced significant issues related to police violence during protests for decades, with many citizens claiming that police officers have committed extrajudicial killings to silence dissent. This harsh reality is met with growing resentment and frustration among the public, particularly in light of the recent death of a blogger who died in police custody.

As the investigation develops, police officials acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and indicated that the officer involved has been arrested, although they have not disclosed his identity. Outrage marked much of the public’s response, encapsulated in media headlines labeling police actions as those of “killer police.”

President William Ruto’s administration has committed to addressing police brutality, yet he refrained from commenting immediately on this recent incident. The next protest against police violence is already set for June 24, with many demonstrators determined to continue voicing their demands for justice and accountability.

These recent events underscore the ongoing struggle against police violence in Kenya, as citizens repeatedly witness the misuse of power during protests. The shooting of an unarmed vendor, in broad daylight and with journalists present, raises urgent questions about accountability within the police force. Following immediate public outcry, it remains to be seen how effectively the government will respond to calls for reform in law enforcement practices.

Original Source: apnews.com