Keypoints
- Officer arrested after shooting unarmed protester
- Protests follow custodial death of blogger Albert Ojwang
- Deputy police chief Lagat steps aside for investigation
A POLICE officer in Kenya has been arrested after being caught on video shooting an unarmed protester during demonstrations in Nairobi over the custodial death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed the uniformed officer firing an anti-riot shotgun at close range before calmly walking away. The shooting occurred during protests calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, who has been linked to Ojwang’s arrest and alleged abuse in custody.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the officer’s arrest and announced that Inspector-General Douglas Kanja had ordered the suspect’s immediate arraignment in court.
‘The said police officer has since been arrested,’ the NPS stated. ‘The victim was taken to hospital and is receiving medical attention.’
Protests over Ojwang’s death grow louder
The protests were sparked by the June 7 death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang while in police custody. He had been arrested after publicly accusing Lagat of corruption on social media.
The NPS had initially claimed Ojwang committed suicide, but public backlash intensified after reports surfaced of injuries suggesting possible assault. Lagat has since stepped aside temporarily, allowing for an independent investigation.
According to Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a police officer named James Mukhwana stated that Lagat had ordered Ojwang be ‘disciplined’ in custody.
Police condemn violence, claim infiltration
In its statement, the NPS also alleged that Tuesday’s protests were infiltrated by individuals armed with crude weapons, whom they described as ‘goons’.
‘The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law,’ the statement added.
Investigations are ongoing to identify those allegedly involved in the violence.
Calls for justice and reform escalate
The officer’s arrest comes amid growing demands for police accountability and an end to what critics say is a pattern of extrajudicial violence. Civil society groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, have condemned the force used during peaceful protests.
Ojwang’s case has become a national symbol of police overreach, corruption, and the urgent need for reform. Protesters continue to call for justice, transparency, and the prosecution of those responsible for his death.
