NAIROBI, Kenya — A police officer involved in the shooting of an unarmed mask vendor during demonstrations held in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, has been arrested.
The protests, which called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, were marked by chaos after suspected goons infiltrated the ranks of the demonstrators.
Disturbing video footage, which has since sparked widespread public uproar, shows two anti-riot officers cornering an unarmed mask vendor identified as Boniface Kariuki along Moi Avenue. They are seen assaulting him before one of them opens fire at close range.
According to a statement signed by National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer’s apprehension followed a direct order from Inspector-General Douglas Kanja.
However, the National Police Service (NPS) did not disclose the officer’s name or release a photograph confirming the arrest, which is typically standard practice.
The NPS also strongly condemned the group of goons, many armed with crude weapons, reiterating that such individuals would face the full force of the law.
The official statement read in part: “Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service has ordered the immediate arrest, investigation and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested.”
The statement continued, addressing the presence of disruptive elements: “Furthermore, NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons, in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings. Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly.”
In an update provided in the statement released Tuesday evening, the police service confirmed that the victim of the shooting (Eli Joshua) was transported to a hospital and is currently receiving medical attention.
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This statement from the NPS comes amidst a significant public outcry for justice over a series of incidents involving alleged police brutality witnessed in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the hawker, Boniface Kariuki is currently undergoing surgery, with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed specifically prepared for his post-operative care.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed the critical medical intervention on Tuesday.
“As we speak, the patient is in theatre with the neurosurgical team,” Dr. Amoth stated, detailing the immediate medical response. He further explained the necessity of specialized care: “As a precaution, we have prepared an ICU bed because a case of such nature requires ICU support immediately in the post-surgery period.”
While medical authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of the hawker’s injuries, the involvement of a neurosurgical team and the preparation of an ICU bed strongly indicate a serious and life-threatening condition.
Further updates on the patient’s condition are anticipated once the surgery has been completed.
From the controversial death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody to the close-range shooting of the Nairobi-based hawker, the public has vehemently demanded that all those culpable be brought to justice.
