UK calls for swift, independent probe into use of excessive force by police during protests
A man selling face masks, which the demonstrators were using to protect themselves against teargas fumes, was shot by a police officer at close range around Imenti House
The British High Commission in Kenya has condemned the use of force by anti-riot police officers quelling protests over the death in custody of teacher-turned blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in Nairobi.
During the otherwise peaceful protests, police used teargas canisters to disperse the the demonstrators as hired goons backed up efforts to clear the Central Business District of the largely Gen Z youths.
A man selling face masks, which the demonstrators were using to protect themselves against teargas fumes, was shot by a police officer at close range around Imenti House, an incident that has sparked outrage among Kenyans.
The hawker, who has since been identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital where he was rushed by a Kenya Red Cross ambulance.
Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth confirmed last evening that Kariuki had undergone a neurosurgery.
In a statement, the British High Commission said police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect.
“We are deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians & protestors yesterday. We urge a swift, independent & transparent investigation into the actions of the police,” it wrote on its X account.
Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga said last evening that the officer involved has been arrested and would be charged in court following a directive from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
A similar crackdown was witnessed in other cities, including Mombasa and Kisumu.
The National Police Service is on the spotlight following Omondi’s death allegedly after being beaten by remandees in his cell at the Central Police Station in Nairobi where he was brought after being arrested at his home in Homa Bay for allegedly tarnishing the name of Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat by linking him to corruption in the service.
He has since stepped aside to allow for investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The station’s commander Samson Tallam and a police constable James Mukhwana have been arraigned in connection to the death.
However, the demonstrators demanded Lagat’s resignation and have planned similar protests for seven days leading to June 25 when dozens of Gen Zs were shot death after they breached security and stormed Parliament after MPs passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which President William Ruto submitted to public pressure and declined to sign it.
