The United Kingdom has taken a firm stance against the Kenyan government following violent scenes of police brutality during peaceful protests in Nairobi and other cities.
The British High Commission in Nairobi expressed its deep disappointment in the violent crackdown against unarmed civilians, calling for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the conduct of officers involved.
This rare rebuke from a close ally puts President William Ruto’s administration under international pressure amid growing domestic unrest and outrage.
As video footage of police officers assaulting demonstrators circulates online, the brutality has drawn condemnation not just from local human rights organizations but also from global partners, signaling a potential strain in diplomatic relations if swift accountability is not enforced.
UK Calls Out Kenyan Government Over Police Brutality
The statement issued by the British High Commission on Wednesday, June 18, minced no words in condemning the police actions during the protests. The UK government demanded accountability for the violence unleashed on peaceful demonstrators, especially the killing of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki in broad daylight.
“We are deeply disturbed by the violence against unarmed civilians and protestors yesterday. We urge a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the actions of the police,” the Commission’s statement read.
The protests were largely peaceful, with demonstrators calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over alleged misconduct. But chaos erupted when heavily armed officers descended on the crowd, firing live bullets and deploying tear gas indiscriminately.
The High Commission emphasized that police officers must maintain public trust and perform their duties with professionalism and restraint. “Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect,” the UK noted, adding that the injured deserved justice and a full recovery.
This condemnation marks a turning point in how Kenya’s international partners view the Ruto administration’s handling of civil liberties. Coming from the UK, a key donor and strategic partner, the message is clear—excessive force on civilians is unacceptable.
Boniface Kariuki’s Death Sparks Outrage
The most disturbing image from Tuesday’s protest was the killing of Boniface Kariuki along Moi Avenue in Nairobi. A video clip widely shared on social media shows two armed police officers roughing up Kariuki. Moments later, one officer aims his weapon and fatally shoots the 22-year-old.
Eyewitnesses screamed in horror. Protesters fled. Within minutes, police cleared the area, leaving a pool of blood behind.
The incident reignited public anger over police killings and lack of accountability. Civil society groups and online activists have demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible for Kariuki’s death. So far, the government has remained silent, fueling accusations of a state-sponsored cover-up.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned the killing, saying it symbolized a dangerous culture of impunity within the National Police Service. “This is unacceptable conduct by the police, who are required to discharge their duties professionally,” KNCHR stated.
Human Rights Body Paints Grim Picture
A damning report by the KNCHR detailed widespread injuries across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale during the Tuesday demonstrations. At least 22 people were reportedly injured, most of them as a result of police beatings and rubber bullet wounds.
But beyond injuries, KNCHR painted a chilling image of coordinated chaos—masked goons on motorbikes patrolling Nairobi streets, attacking and robbing protestors in full view of police. The watchdog accused the government of deploying hired thugs to instill fear and suppress dissent.
“The Commission witnessed hordes of thugs viciously attack and rob protesters in the streets of Nairobi,” the KNCHR report read. “This pattern of violence suggests premeditated action rather than isolated misconduct.”
Human rights groups are now demanding an overhaul of police command structures and full disclosure of orders issued to officers before and during the protest. The concern is that such actions are becoming normalized under the Ruto regime, with little regard for constitutional freedoms.
Ruto Faces Growing Backlash Over Police Brutality
The UK’s tough stance adds to the mounting internal and external pressure on President William Ruto. Domestically, protests are growing louder, and opposition leaders are calling for Lagat’s resignation and a judicial inquest into all incidents of police brutality in recent months.
Internationally, Kenya risks damaging key diplomatic ties if it fails to uphold human rights. Donor funding and trade cooperation often come with conditions—including respect for civil liberties.
President Ruto now faces a critical decision: act to restore accountability and public trust or risk global condemnation and domestic rebellion.
As the world watches, the cries for justice for Boniface Kariuki and other victims of state violence cannot be ignored. The question is whether this administration will finally act—or remain complicit in silence.
