Kenyans urged to abide by the law as police brutality escalates

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As public outrage continues over a string of police brutality incidents, human rights groups and legal experts are urging Kenyans to pursue justice through legal means, warning that rogue elements within the National Police Service are becoming a growing threat to public safety and constitutional order.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Crime Si Poa Executive Director Pete Ouko called on Kenyans to stand firm in their constitutional rights and hold officers accountable in court.

“The law is clear. Any Kenyan has the right to sue a police officer who abuses their power. The Constitution is on your side,” said Mr Ouko during a press briefing.

He cited key legal protections under the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act (2014) and Articles 29 and 49 of the Constitution, which guarantee the dignity and rights of arrested persons.

He reminded the police that their mandate changed from being a “force” to a “service” and they are now directly accountable to the people of Kenya.

Mr Ouko condemned the reckless shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a street hawker who was shot point blank during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi.

“This is not policing. It is violence against citizens. The officer must face justice, and this must become the standard--not the exception.”

Kariuki, who was selling face masks during the demonstrations, remains in intensive care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

The hospital’s acting CEO, Dr William Sigilai, confirmed that he underwent a two-hour emergency neurosurgery after arriving at 3:16pm on Tuesday with a life-threatening head injury.

“He is currently on life support and in critical condition,” said Dr Sigilai.

He also noted that 16 protesters had been treated at KNH, with seven(7) still hospitalised.

Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also weighed in on the matter, criticizing the lack of transparency by the police and demanding swift action.

“From the statement by the National Police Service, there is no indication that the officer responsible has been indicted. We do not even know his name,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.

“He must be treated as the face of impunity and criminality within the police service.”

The NPS later on Wednesday released a statement, revealing the names of two cops involved in the shooting of a masks hawker. They are constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde (main suspect) and constable Duncan Kiprono. 

LSK called on Inspector General Douglas Kanja to lead by example and ensure that rogue officers are not shielded by secrecy.

The society said the IG's recent order for the officer’s arrest was a necessary step, but added that the identity and accountability process must be public and deliberate.

Human rights groups further accused Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen of turning a blind eye to the deteriorating security situation, saying his silence undermines confidence in the rule of law.

The death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody, and the shooting of Mr Kariuki have sparked nationwide protests and a demand for urgent police reforms.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda on Wednesday said that moving forward, the cops will provide security to protesters and those minding their own businesses. June 25, 2025, will be a litmus test to police officers as youths have planned to demonstrate in solidarity with Gen Zs who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill, 2024.