Two police officers are now at the centre of national outrage after they were identified as the men behind the brutal shooting of a hawker during protests in Nairobi.
Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono, both stationed at Kileleshwa Police Station, are accused of violently assaulting and shooting Boniface Mwangi Kariuki on Tuesday afternoon in full view of the public and cameras.
The shocking incident, which was captured on video, has drawn wide condemnation from human rights groups and the public, who are demanding accountability.
Footage shows one officer pointing a weapon directly at the hawker’s head before firing at close range, leaving the man badly injured and bleeding on the street.
This latest act of brutality by law enforcement has once again raised urgent questions about police conduct and use of force in handling civilian protests in Kenya.
Nairobi hawker shooting causes public outrage and police response
The shooting occurred near Imenti House in the Nairobi Central Business District during protests to demand justice for the late blogger Albert Ojwang. Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a hawker selling face masks, was not part of the protesting crowd but became a target in what has been described as an unprovoked attack.
In the viral footage, one of the officers—believed to be Masinde Baraza—is seen initially firing toward the protesters before returning with Kiprono. The two officers confront Mwangi, beat him to the ground, and then Baraza fires a shot using what police say was an anti-riot shotgun loaded with rubber bullets.
Mwangi sustained head injuries and was rushed to Bliss Medical Centre by protesters before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Doctors confirmed he suffered blunt trauma to the upper part of his body, requiring immediate surgery.
As images of the assault circulated online, the National Police Service (NPS) moved quickly to contain the growing anger. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga issued a statement confirming the incident and announcing the arrest of the involved officers on the orders of Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” Nyaga stated.
Arrests made, but accountability still questioned
Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono are currently held at Capitol Hill Police Station in Nairobi. Their legal team, led by lawyer Felix Kiton, arrived at the station late Tuesday night and expressed frustration at being denied access to their clients.
Kiton said they had not been informed of the exact charges or the next legal steps expected from authorities.
“The police must follow due process and allow us access to our clients,” he said. “We are not here to block investigations but to ensure the rights of all involved are respected.”
Despite the swift arrest, critics say the government’s response remains reactive rather than preventive. Many are questioning why it took video evidence and public pressure to trigger action, and why officers are not being properly trained in peaceful crowd management and the protection of human rights.
Civil society groups have renewed calls for deeper police reforms and greater independence for the Internal Affairs Unit that oversees officer conduct. Amnesty International Kenya and other rights defenders have demanded full prosecution and compensation for the injured hawker.
Victim recovering as spotlight turns to police violence
At Kenyatta National Hospital, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is now recovering after undergoing a complex surgical procedure. His family says he was the sole breadwinner and are pleading for help and justice.
The shooting of Mwangi comes at a tense time in Nairobi, following recent unrest and public demonstrations over police brutality and impunity. It also happens amid the ongoing calls for justice over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died in police custody earlier this month.
As more details continue to emerge, Kenyans are demanding that those responsible not just be suspended or transferred, but face the full weight of the law.
The National Police Service is under pressure to ensure that Baraza and Kiprono are prosecuted without interference, and that such acts of violence are never repeated.
