A Kenyan police officer was captured shooting a civilian in the head at close range during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 17, reigniting nationwide anger over the country’s long-standing issue of excessive force by law enforcement.

The dramatic moment was captured by an Associated Press photographer on one of Nairobi’s busiest streets, with the incident unfolding in full view of journalists and bystanders. The Associated Press has chosen to publish the graphic images due to their public interest value and as visual evidence of the shooting.

The victim, believed to be a street vendor rather than a protester, was seen holding a packet of face masks when he was confronted and shot.

It remains unclear what led to the confrontation, but the photos show the vendor raising his hands as the officers push him. As he steps back and glances over his shoulder, the officer lifts his gun and fires. The man collapses on the sidewalk as the officers walk away.

Victim Survives But Undergoing Treatment

Despite the severity of the incident, the man survived. A spokesperson from the Nairobi hospital where he was taken confirmed he was in surgery and that a bed had been prepared in the intensive care unit. His identity had not been released at the time of reporting, but officials said he was one of several protesters admitted with gunshot wounds.

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Dr. Patrick Amoth, a senior Ministry of Health official, confirmed the injured vendor was receiving emergency treatment and said updates on his condition would follow.

The incident occurred as demonstrators took to the streets over the death of Albert Ojwang, a popular blogger whose mysterious demise in police custody has ignited widespread unrest.

A chilling video captured the moment a street vendor, quietly selling face masks, was approached by two police officers during the protests. One officer aggressively shoved him aside, while the other suddenly raised his firearm and shot the man in the head at close range—without any visible provocation.



A voice in the background of the video is heard crying out, "Wamempiga risasi kwa kichwa," ("They’ve shot him in the head") as the officers turn and walk away. After the gunshot, the vendor collapsed to the ground, bleeding. Passersby quickly rushed to help and transported him to a nearby hospital.

The shooting has intensified national anger, especially as it comes in the wake of Ojwang’s death, which had already triggered countrywide protests against police brutality.

Social media was flooded with emotional reactions below:

• Fednand Dimpi Zaki: "So sad and deeply inhuman. Shooting an innocent Kenyan is a grave violation of human rights. No one should die for speaking out. We demand justice, dignity, and accountability."

• Tabitha Njoroge: "How do people sleep at night knowing they killed? Aargh! God, please come through for us. This is too much now."

• Korir KE: "Police should not mask themselves; the same case applies to protestors. And someone is hawking masks during demonstrations, how?"

• Dorothy Naliaka: "Police pia yafaa mtumie bunduki mkijua bunduki sio kijiko wala mwiko wa kutumia kiholelaholela."

• Guy Curtis: "We are staring at a very dangerous path as a nation! Killing with such impunity is becoming a norm, as if human life is worthless! This man was eking a living with his masks, probably a family man, a husband, father and son—and you kill and walk away?"

The police have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident, and the identities of the officers involved remain undisclosed. Tensions continue to rise as citizens demand answers and accountability.

MP Millie Odhiambo Reveals Identity of the Victim

While addressing Parliament, MP Millie Odhiambo condemned the shooting and disclosed that the hawker hailed from Suba, Homa Bay County.

"Madam Speaker, it would be careless on my part if I didn't say that the young man we are talking about is again from Homa Bay, and from Suba. Madam Speaker, that is why we must speak on principle. Imagine if I stood here and supported the shooting. That is why I said the police need to restrain themselves," she said.

The shooting has become a symbol of the growing tension and unrest in Kenya as citizens demand justice not only for Ojwang, but for all victims of police violence.