Protests in Nairobi aimed at ending police brutality turned violent when armed groups attacked demonstrators. The situation escalated tragically when a police officer shot a young vendor, Jonah Kariuki, in the head during the chaos. Following the incident, the police claimed the officer had been arrested, but did not outright deny ties with the attackers. Activists and rights groups are pressing for accountability in light of previous unrest that led to significant casualties amid ongoing tensions related to governmental policies. As Kenya marked one year since widespread protests against economic hardships, the judiciary promised to uphold justice against police misconduct.
One of the officers pointed his gun in the direction of protesters, then ran with a colleague to a vendor named Jonah Kariuki. The officers pushed the man. As he is shoved and is moving away, Kariuki glances back. The officer raises his weapon and shoots 22-year-old Kariuki at close range in the head who crumples to the sidewalk.
Activists called for the officer to be charged. The judiciary in a statement on Wednesday said it was committed to 'uphold justice' in all cases including those involving alleged police brutality.
Protests peaked when thousands stormed parliament, reflecting the high tension in the country linked to economic crises and police brutality.
The police reacted to the protests by stating they 'do not condone such unlawful groupings' and that they had arrested the officer involved in the shooting.
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