UPDATE: Masked Police Officer Who Shot Unarmed Nairobi Vendor Allegedly Identified
Nairobi, Kenya — The masked police officer who was filmed shooting an unarmed street vendor in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has allegedly been identified from a separate photo shared online, sparking renewed fury as the vendor he shot has now been confirmed dead.
The harrowing incident, which occurred along Mondlane Street near Imenti House on Monday, was caught on video and quickly went viral. In the footage, a masked officer broke away from a group of police stationed along Moi Avenue and charged toward a group of demonstrators before veering off and confronting a vendor said to have been selling face masks.
What followed was brutal: one officer slapped the vendor, the other struck him with the butt of his rifle, and then the masked officer raised his firearm and shot the man at point-blank range.
Photos circulating on social media show the vendor collapsed on the pavement, bleeding heavily while still holding onto a packet of masks. He was quickly rushed to Bliss Medical Centre by fellow protesters..
In a chilling twist, digital sleuths online claim to have matched the masked officer’s build, uniform details, and visible gear with another image from an earlier deployment. Though unverified, the alleged identification has gone viral, prompting calls for immediate arrest and prosecution.
ALSO READ:
- Matiang’i Ally Clarifies Secret Talks to Join Ruto Govt
- “You’re Going Home Mapema!”- Uhuru Ally Reveals MPs, Senators & Governors Set for Ouster
- Autopsy Confirms 17-Year-Old Brian Ndung’u Was Shot Dead During Olkalou Gen Z Protests
- “I’m Coming for You!” – Miguna Miguna Lands Explosive Citizen TV Interview to Tear into Matiang’i’s ‘Lies’
- Govt Seeks Ksh50 Billion Loan From Kenyans to Fund 2025/26 Budget
“The state cannot remain silent while its officers execute citizens in broad daylight,” said one human rights activist. “The officer must be unmasked both figuratively and literally, and face the full force of the law.”
The protests — which had been organized to demand justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody — have now grown into a larger outcry against police brutality and state violence.
Earlier in the day, chaos erupted after motorbikes carrying suspected hired goons stormed the city, threatening protesters and robbing civilians. Armed with crude weapons, the gangs were captured on video seemingly collaborating with anti-riot police to scatter demonstrators.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to release a statement, but pressure is mounting. Lawmakers, activists, and the public are demanding a transparent investigation and swift justice for the slain vendor.
As darkness fell, makeshift vigils were held across the CBD. Candles were lit. Chants of “Justice for the Mask Seller!” echoed into the night.
This latest tragedy has added yet another name to the growing list of Kenyans allegedly killed by the very institutions meant to protect them.
UPDATE: Masked Police Officer Who Shot Unarmed Nairobi Vendor Allegedly Identified
