Police Who Shot Hawker Boniface Kariuki During Protests Arrested

The police officer who shot an unarmed civilian, Eli Joshua, during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has been arrested.

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that the officer used an anti-riot shotgun on Eli during the Tuesday, June 17 protest. 

Consequently, the Inspector-General Douglas Kanja ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment of the officer involved.

However, Kanja has not revealed the name of the officer. 

“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun, within the Nairobi Central Business District on 17th June 2025.

“Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” read a statement from NPS.

Also Read: Kenyan Shot by Police During #JusticeForAlbertOjwang Protests in Nairobi

Police on Goons in CBD

According to the police, the victim was taken to the hospital and is receiving medical attention.

Further, the statement by the NPS also raised concerns over armed groups spotted during the protest carrying crude weapons, who were observed by officers.

Police said investigations are underway to identify and take action against those involved.

Kanja noted that although NPS does not condone police misconduct, it will also firmly deal with unlawful behavior during protests.

However, the statement failed to specify the immediate action the service would take against the goons. 

“Furthermore, NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons, in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings.

“Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly,” the statement added.

Also Read: Vehicles Torched as Protests Gain Momentum in Nairobi CBD

Kenyans Hunt Down the Cop

In multiple videos shared online, two officers were seen approaching Eli Joshua who was standing on the sidewalk along the streets.

The officers beat him up twice before one of them moved at a further distance and made the shot.

Eli was left on the floor with blood from his head injury covering the sidewalk for minutes before bystanders rushed over to help him.

Angry Kenyans began tracing back every video footage from the day to uncover the identity of the officer who was masked during the attack.

Hours later, they had leads on his identity, location and details of his educational background. 

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