Two police officers interdicted after shooting an unarmed civilian in Nairobi

Locals at the scene in Nairobi where a civilian hawking face masks was shot by the police. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Two police officers have been interdicted following an incident in which an unarmed civilian was shot during Tuesday’s protests along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono have been relieved of their duties pending further disciplinary and legal action.

“The officers are currently being processed by the Homicide team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters,” Nyaga said.

PRESS STATEMENT : UPDATE REGARDING THE SHOOTING INCIDENT INVOLVING AN UNARMED CIVILIAN pic.twitter.com/xUkFKbqBnS — National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) June 18, 2025

The victim, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, is reported to be in stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing successful surgery. 

Kariuki, a hawker who was selling face masks during the protest, was shot at close range after being physically assaulted by the officers.

Videos of the incident show one officer slapping Kariuki while the other struck him with the butt of a rifle before opening fire.

The protest, held in the Nairobi Central Business District, was part of a growing wave of public outcry over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

“The National Police Service deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family,” the statement added, assuring the public that justice would be served.