A peaceful protest turned bloody in Eastleigh on Monday afternoon when a mask vendor was brutally gunned down by police officers in broad daylight, sending shockwaves across the country and sparking renewed fury over police conduct in Kenya.
The incident occurred during a protest march seeking justice for slain teacher Albert Ojwang, whose controversial death in police custody has already triggered nationwide condemnation and demands for accountability.
Shocking Execution Caught on Camera
Eyewitnesses reported that the mask vendor, a well-known street trader in Eastleigh, was shot at close range without provocation as crowds chanted Ojwang’s name. Videos shared on social media show a scuffle between protesters and police moments before the vendor collapsed to the ground in a pool of blood, sparking screams of horror from bystanders.
“They shot him like an animal. He wasn’t even armed—just selling masks and shouting for justice,” said one protester who narrowly escaped arrest. “This is not law enforcement. This is execution.”
Nairobi Boils as Police Silence Grows Louder
Residents of Eastleigh, already shaken by reports of Ojwang’s mysterious death while in police custody, reacted with rage and grief as news of the vendor’s death spread. Businesses temporarily shut down, and crowds blocked roads, accusing police of turning Kenya into a battlefield.
Human rights organizations swiftly condemned the killing, with Haki Africa and Amnesty Kenya calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer involved. “How many more bodies must we count before this brutality stops?” read a joint statement.
Kenya’s Police in the Hot Seat Again
The National Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement on the Eastleigh shooting, further fueling public suspicion. Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to act swiftly and transparently.
This killing marks yet another black mark on Kenya’s law enforcement amid increasing scrutiny over excessive force, extrajudicial killings, and abuse of power.
Albert Ojwang’s case had already rattled the nation, with CCTV footage exposing alleged police lies about his whereabouts during his death. The new killing of a peaceful protester has only deepened public mistrust in the system.
#JusticeForOjwang Turns Into a National Movement
Kenyans online have erupted in protest under the trending hashtag #JusticeForOjwang, now joined by a fresh campaign for the slain vendor. “From Albert Ojwang to the mask vendor — how many must die before Kenya says ENOUGH?” posted one outraged Kenyan on X (formerly Twitter).
Activists are calling for nationwide protests and a public inquest into both deaths, accusing the government of shielding rogue officers at the expense of justice and accountability.
A Nation on the Brink?
As outrage spreads beyond Nairobi to other cities like Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, the government faces growing calls to rein in police brutality and reform the entire security apparatus. Civil society groups have threatened mass action if no action is taken within 48 hours.
“This isn’t just about one death. It’s about a broken system,” said political analyst Kamau Mboya. “This could very well be the spark that ignites a national reckoning.”
