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The police officer accused of shooting an unarmed mask vendor in Nairobi has been arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service has said.

According to a statement from Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer who shot the vendor, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, at point-blank range at the height of the protests in Nairobi, will be arraigned in court. 

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

While confirming the incident that has shocked the country, police said they noted an anti-riot officer had shot an “unarmed civilian using an anti-riot shotgun.”

A wide-angled picture of the police officer running towards the protester from a convoy of police along Moi Avenue, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

This is the first statement from any government agency since the incident happened around 4pm.

Videos analysed by Kenyans.co.ke showed a police officer running towards a group of protesters who were along Mondlane Street near Imenti House before firing the first shot.

At this point, he was not near the victim, who was on the other corner of Imentin House along Mondlane Street. The officer was on Moi Avenue.

Minutes later, the officer walked towards a group of police officers who were camped next to Cabral Street opposite Nairobi Sports Center along Moi Avenue.

For some reason, after a few steps, he turned back and started running towards the protesters.

It is at this point that he encounters Mwangi, who was away from the protesters holding a bunch of face masks in one hand. This time, the officer was in the company of a colleague, and the two began to beat up Mwangi.

The vendor then falls to the ground, and then the second police officer hits the hawker with the butt of his gun. A few seconds passed, and then, the first officer aimed his gun at him and shot him at close range in the head.

Mwangi lies on the ground, bleeding helplessly. A section of protesters then runs to his aid and rushes him to Bliss Medical Center, where he receives first aid while awaiting an ambulance.

According to witnesses, a Red Cross Kenya ambulance approaches the medical centre near the National Archives as protesters gather outside in anger. Police then fired teargas to disperse the crowd, only for the ambulance to retreat.

Witnesses said the ambulance returned and took Mwangi to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is receiving treatment despite earlier reports of him succumbing to his injuries.

“The victim was taken to the hospital and he is receiving medical attention,” Nyaga said in his statement.

Police engaging the protester, who is shot moments later at Imenti House, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a raft of reforms targeting police stations across the country, key among them the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all stations within the next two years.

Under the new directive, each police station will be required to have functional CCTV surveillance systems, including live monitoring accessible by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). The footage must be backed up securely to aid future investigations.

Murkomen further directed that all instances of assault or misconduct within stations be reported within an hour, with the CCTV systems expected to play a central role in ensuring accountability.

This will be rolled out across all 1,209 police stations in Kenya, with Parliament set to enact legislation that criminalises the deletion of CCTV footage.

A collage of CCTV cameras and a DVR recording interface.

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Techwizard/ Ease US

Additionally, the CS announced the full digitisation of Occurrence Books (OBs) across all police stations in a year. He said this would ensure that every report filed can be tracked, audited, and verified in real time to eliminate tampering and increase transparency.

Adding to these changes, Murkomen announced a community-focused integration plan to improve public trust and service delivery. He revealed that police operations will undergo regular independent audits to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. High-performing officers and stations will be publicly recognised and rewarded.

''Officers will be required to work together with civil groups, religious groups, and local communities, and this shall undergo regular evaluation to see who is adhering to the set protocols,'' he directed.

To anchor the reforms, the CS directed the rollout of continuous development training, starting with OCSs, who will undertake minimum constitutional and professional conduct courses aimed at enhancing discipline, rights-based policing, and efficient service delivery.

“I have directed that continuous development training begin immediately, starting with OCSs, who will undergo minimum constitutional training to improve professionalism and accountability in the police service,” Murkomen stated.

Parliament and the Treasury will be working closely with his ministry to avail funds for the training exercises according to the outspoken CS. However, the CS decried cosntant budget cuts highlighting that training was the most affected. 

Meanwhile, Murkomen highlighted challenges in implementing Article 244 of the Constitution, which defines the objectives and functions of the National Police Service. He noted that the article demands high standards of professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights, areas where gaps persist.

Nevertheless, pressure continues to mount on the CS to direct Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to step aside over the ongoing investigation. However, the CS has insisted that the due legal process must be followed.

Meanwhile, social media platforms have been flooded with calls for protests scheduled for Tuesday, with demonstrators expected to demand Lagat’s resignation over his alleged connection to the circumstances surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Collage of slain influencer Albert Ojwang and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

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Kenyans.co.ke

Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station Samson Talaam has been arrested in Eldoret over the murder of Albert Ojwang.

According to reports, police say he was on the run and has since been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further questioning.

His lawyer Felix Kiprono confirmed the arrest and it followed IPOA confirming that the OCS was a person of interest in the case. Further, the Authority revealed that Ojwang died inside a Central Police Station jail cell.

His arrest comes after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin had revealed that the OCS should be treated as a prime suspect in Ojwang's murder.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed.

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DCI Kenya

Speaking before the Senate, Amin identified Talaam as the individual most responsible for Ojwang's death, which occurred on Sunday, June 8.

While giving his brief to Senate, Amin clarified that Talaam had declined to book Ojwang upon his arrival in Central Police contrary to initial reports. 

“It has further been confirmed that before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS, who declined to book the suspect. Talaam is the Officer Commanding Central Police Station," he stated.

"Talaam is the OCS of Central Police Station, and by the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in this matter," Amin noted.

However, in a quick rejoinder, Talaam denied being the prime suspect in the murder. While giving his account to IPOA, Talaam recounted that on the day of the popular influencer's death, he was brought into the station in critical condition.

According to his account, given on Wednesday, June 11, Talaam and fellow officers attempted to save his life. They even rushed the late Ojwang to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He further added that, contrary to reports, he did not object to Ojwang's booking at the station.

The OCS disclosed that he was not at the station when Ojwang was brought in but arrived after he was notified of Ojwang's critical state.

After news of Ojwang's murder broke and details of Central Police Station's role in the incident emerged, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdicted Talaam and five others.

Aside from Talaam, other interdicted officers included the deputy OCS, the deputy non-commissioned officer, crime aid officer, cell sentry officer, and report office personnel.

An aerial view of the entrance at the Central Police Station, Nairobi in 2022

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Jimmy Gitau

President William Ruto has broken his silence on the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody and directed the police to fully cooperate in the investigations.

In a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto ordered the National Police Service to work with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death.

"I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and to take every necessary measure to facilitate a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Ojwang," Ruto stated.

"As we mourn his passing, let us patiently but vigilantly follow the progress of the investigations without making premature judgements or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome," he added.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen (centre) arriving at the Senate precincts in the company of IG Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Amin Mohammed on June 11, 2025.

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Kipchumba Murkomen

Furthermore, Ruto maintained that he expects the agencies to provide him with a full update on what transpired and the actions taken.

"I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served."

The Head of State has also issued a warning to the police over the failure to ensure the safety of Ojwang while in their custody. According to him, it should be the responsibility of the NPS to ensure that whenever they take a person into custody, they should assume responsibility for that individual's safety. 

"It must be borne in mind by every member of the National Police Service that whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual's safety, security, and well-being, and must make every effort to discharge this duty conscientiously and without fail," Ruto noted.

While reflecting on his earlier decision to grant financial and institutional autonomy to the police service, President Ruto reiterated that the move was aimed at enhancing professionalism, effectiveness, and accountability within the force.

He maintained that the service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its ranks.

Additionally, Ruto sought to disassociate himself from any operational crackdown on the late Ojwang, revealing that he was shocked to learn about the circumstances surrounding the death.

He further lashed out at the police, stating: "This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death."

Earlier, the influencer's death took a new twist after the IPOA revealed that critical CCTV footage from the Central Police Station OCS's office had been tampered with. The authority's Deputy Chairperson, Ann Wanjiku, made the revelation while appearing before the Senate.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alongside DCI Boss Mohamed Amin during the Senate Plenary on Wednesday, June 11 2025.

Kenyans.co.ke

The late X influencer, Albert Ojwang's wounds were consistent with an assault from a third party, Pathologist Bernard Midia has revealed.

Midia made the revelation on Tuesday, June 10, at the Nairobi Funeral Home, ending 24 hours of intense speculation surrounding the teacher's death.

According to Midia, Ojwang's body had external injuries besides his head, which effectively ruled out the police's initial version of events that his wounds were self-inflicted. 

"The cause of death is very clear. A head injury, neck compression, and we also have other injuries on other parts of the body that are pointing towards assault," Midia said. 

A photo of Albert Ojwang, who passed away under unclear circumstances on Sunday, June 8 2025.

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Albert Ojwang.

The pathologist further revealed that specimens have been gathered and sent to other investigative agencies to gather more evidence to help in corroborating the initial pathologist's report. 

"When you combine all the injuries in the body, they are consistent with a struggle," he added. "There were signs of struggle generally, but they are well described in the report."

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo seconded the post-mortem results, as she further claimed the late Ojwang's injuries were consistent with those of someone who was severely tortured before his death. 

The LSK boss also read malice in the circumstances of Ojwang's arrest, since the deceased's parents were only updated of his situation after he was confirmed dead.

"We want to know who picked him up in Homa Bay. We want to know all the places he was taken to and who was the one who gave orders for him to be picked up," the LSK boss said.

Initially slated for Monday, Ojwang's autopsy was pushed back by a day after government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor stepped aside, citing a conflict of interest due to his blood relation to the deceased.

The autopsy report came after Ojwang's family lawyer gave insights on the state of his body on Monday, revealing that the late had hints of defensive wounds on his hands and back.

This revelation cast doubt on the National Police Service's initial version of events, which suggested Ojwang had hit his head on a cell wall hours after his detention at the Central Police Station.

On Tuesday, activist Fred Ogolla pointed an accusing finger at authorities, citing several glaring inconsistencies in how Ojwang's situation was handled immediately after he was allegedly discovered unconscious in his cell.

Ogolla noted that police had captured the late Ojwang's social media accounts, while CCTV footage at the Central Police station at the time the influencer was killed was unaccounted for.

Scenes at the Nairobi Funeral Home during the autopsy of the late X influencer Albert Ojwang on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

More to follow...

Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor has withdrawn from conducting Albert Ojwang's autopsy that was set for 2pm on Monday.

The autopsy that had earlier been scheduled to begin at 10am was moved to facilitate the arrival of Oduor.

According to reports, Oduor declined to conduct the autopsy on the grounds that Albert Ojwang is from his extended family. However, the government pathologist is still part of the medical team tasked with conducting the post-mortem, although he will not be directly involved. 

In the build-up to the autopsy, Julius Juma, the family's lawyer, said the family was unable to give a concrete position on what caused the death of the blogger, prompting the urgent need for a pathologist's report. 

Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor (Centre) flanked by officials from the DCI and Government Chemist. His autopsy report regarding Ken Walibora released on April 18, 2020, has raised questions.

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The renowned government pathologist was in the company of Ojwang's family from Monday morning, with reports suggesting he was engaged in a meeting with the deceased's immediate family members. The particulars of what was discussed have, however, not been made public yet.

Despite the withdrawal of Oduor from participating in the autopsy, several other pathologists were on site for the exercise, including one from the police reforms working group and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU). 

At the time of publication of this article, the exact cause of death of Ojwang' was yet to be made public, although the family lawyer, who viewed the body earlier, suggested the late teacher's body had fatal wounds on his head while other secondary injuries were on his hands and shoulders. 

Also present at the City Mortuary for the autopsy report were representatives from various lobby groups, including Amnesty, the Law Society of Kenya, Defenders' Coalition, VOCAL Africa, among others. The groups are adamant they would not relent until all circumstances around Ojwang's death were clear. 

"We want serious action taken against the officers involved. We are following up on the post-mortem to make sure we know the reason behind his death," Activist Hussein Khalid revealed on Monday. 

Notably, Odour is a well-known government pathologist with a career spanning several decades and involvement in countless high-profile cases.

One of the most recent cases he was involved in was that of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were, where he revealed the lawmaker died from excessive bleeding and collapse of vital organs.

Another high-profile case Oduor was involved in was that of slain Human Resources (HR) Manager Willis Ayieko. 

UPDATE: By Monday evening, there was no official autopsy report, with the exercise pushed to Tuesday, June 10 over apparent logistical challenges. 

A photo of Albert Ojwang, who passed away under unclear circumstances on Sunday, June 8 2025.

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Albert Ojwang.

Veteran author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong'o is dead.

The news was announced by her daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, who urged all those who knew him to celebrate his life and works.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025," she stated.

"He lived a full life and fought a good fight. As per his last wish, let us celebrate his life and his work," Wanjiku added.

The late veteran author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

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Ngugi wa Thiong'o

The cause of Ngugi's death was not revealed, but the family disclosed that details regarding his funeral would be announced in due course.

"The family's spokesperson Nducu wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku said.

At the time of his demise, aged 87, Ngugi resided in California, United States, where he spent most of his years. Due to the nature of his work, which had rubbed those in power the wrong way, he had spent most of his life in exile or semi-exile since the 1980s.

This was especially following the banning of his politically critical play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) in the 1970s and his subsequent imprisonment.

The play brought Ngugi into the limelight and set him up for the nationalistic, social justice and struggle themes in his works. Aside from the play, Ngugi authored critically acclaimed books such as The River Between, Weep Not Child, A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood.

Ngugi’s novels were among the first by an East African to gain global attention. He helped shape post-colonial African literature by focusing on indigenous perspectives, challenging the Western gaze, and centring African history and experience.

Further, his decision to take the radical shift to switch his writing from English to his mother tongue, Kikuyu, endeared him to fans of his work. Ngugi believed that writing in indigenous languages would validate and elevate them, reconnect people with literature and could be used as a form of resistance.

However, his works subjected him to political persecution and in 1982, Ngugi went into self-imposed exile, first living in Britain and later in the US. After 22 years, he visited Kenya in 2004, but he and his wife were victims of an attack in their hotel, one seen as politically motivated.

Some of the awards and recognition he received include the Nonino International Prize for Literature (2001), Park Kyong-ni Prize (2016) and the PEN Award for Freedom of Expression.

Aside from being an author, Ngugi was also an academic, becoming a distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature and English at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Activist Boniface Mwangi with author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o in the United States in December 15, 2018

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Boniface Mwangi

Missing activist Boniface Mwangi has been found alive in Ukunda after being detained in Tanzania for more than three days, the family has confirmed.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has also confirmed that the missing activist has been freed through a spokesperson. 

Mwangi has been rushed to the hospital for medical review, according to his lawyer, James Wanjeri.

He has been missing since Monday, after he flew to the East African nation to attend the court hearing of opposition figure Tundu Lissu.

Earlier on Thursday, concerns over the activist’s whereabouts nearly escalated into a diplomatic row, with the Kenyan government accusing Tanzanian authorities of withholding information on Mwangi’s status.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Kenya had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to get updates from Tanzanian officials. This comes after Mwangi was detained on Monday morning in Dar es Salaam, reportedly on charges of obstruction and unlawful entry into the country.

"The Ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr Mwangi. The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall well-being, and the absence of information regarding his detention," a statement from the ministry read in part. 

Following the earlier developments, the Kenyan government stated that it was left with no option but to recall the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which provide that consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending state and to have access to them.

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, hundreds of activists had started trooping into the central business district and to the Tanzanian embassy in Kenya to demand the immediate release of Mwangi.  

Heavy police presence was also noticeable, as they were on high alert to avert any case of lawlessness within the areas. 

Mwangi was detained alongside Ugandan national Agather Atuhaire shortly after the detention and deportation of former Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, and activist Hanifa Adan at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Sunday and Monday this week.

Former CJ David Maraga had on Thursday morning expressed his concerns over the continued detention by authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania without access to the courts, legal counsel, or consular representation, terming such acts a clear violation of international human rights law.

Mwangi and the family are expected to later address the media regarding the condition of the activist. 

A collage of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu captured at separate past events.

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ANC/MODERN DIPLOMACY

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out with explosive claims against the Kenya Kwanza government, alleging a murder plot against him.

While speaking at his Karen residence on Monday, May 19, Gachagua claimed state-sponsored officers had specific instructions to take him out on Sunday, May 18. The former District Commissioner has claimed that the government planned to use 'biological weapons' against him to slowly degrade his mind over three months.

According to Gachagua, he was made aware of alleged instructions from the President to 'deal with him' once and for all on Sunday while he was attending a church service in Murang'a County.

"While attending a church service in Gatanga Constituency yesterday, I received intelligence reports that there were orders to have me dealt with once and for all," Gachagua said in his explosive presser. 

Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Gatanga, Murang'a County on Sunday, May 18 2025

The former second-in-command further claimed that attempts to quell him by state-sponsored goons failed on Sunday, prompting police to intervene in the alleged plot to take him out. 

He added, "Since the goons sponsored by the state on several occasions had failed, police and other state security agencies had to come in."

Gachagua went on to allege that he received intelligence on Sunday afternoon from police officers who were reportedly under instructions to plant arms and weapons in his convoy to have grounds to apprehend him. 

"We received further intelligence from the deployed patriotic officers who were not in agreement with the evil mission that they had clear instructions to plant arms and weapons in our convoy to provide evidence to arrest us and get evidence that they could charge us with in court," he added. 

The presser followed an incident on Sunday evening, which saw police officers drawn from multiple units reportedly surround the former second in command's homes. The operation was confirmed by Gachagua's ally and lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, who issued a public alert, raising concern over the late-night deployment to Gachagua’s residences in Karen and Wamunyoro.

Gachagua, while denying receiving any summons from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as required by law, admitted that he was aware of a plot by officers to block his way, as he revealed he had to reroute to get to his Karen residence. 

The change in routes, according to the former DP, was a deliberate effort from his team to avoid getting his security detail disarmed, which would have otherwise left him vulnerable to attacks. 

Controversy surrounding Gachagua hit an all-time high on Friday, after he made controversial remarks suggesting the upcoming 2027 general elections would descend into chaos if there were any discrepancies from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

But Gachagua doubled down on his initial defence on Sunday, insisting that his comments were not inciteful but rather a message of accountability to the commission ahead of the polls. 

"This (statement) was a precautionary statement and not incitement. It is based on historical facts and past electoral experiences of 1992, 1997 and 2007 controversial elections that we must have a free and fair election in 2027," he asserted. 

Images of patrol cars allegedly belonging to police officers that are claimed to have been used to trail Rigathi Gachagua on May 18, 2025.

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Ronoh

Police on Monday raided the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Kitale under unclear circumstances, amid reports that the county boss is under investigation.

The early morning operation was reportedly led by heavily equipped anti-riot police officers, working in coordination with officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Tension flared outside the residence as scores of Natembeya’s supporters flocked to the scene, confronting officers and engaging in a tense standoff.

Police had a hard time controlling the growing crowd, with additional reinforcements deployed to prevent possible escalation.

Police and EACC officers outside the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

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Lofty

Chanting 'Tawe Movement' slogans, the governor's supporters accused the police of being used to settle political scores, claiming the raid was politically motivated.

The rowdy youth deflated the tyres of five vehicles belonging to DCI, EACC officials camping at the governor's home.

The incident came just a day after Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka sounded the alarm over a possible crackdown on Natembeya, who has recently emerged as one of the most vocal critics of President William Ruto's administration in the Western region.

Speaking in Machakos on Sunday, May 18, Kalonzo claimed that the EACC had been granted a search warrant, in which he claims that the detectives will go search his properties, apprehend him, and then later release him.

According to Kalonzo, the plot to apprehend the governor has been fabricated with the aim of tarnishing the governor's name.

"If you are the governor and you don't toe the line of those in leadership of the highest level, they will send EACC after you, but I want to say that the commission should not be used," he said.

''Governor Natembeya is threatened as we speak, and on Monday, which is tomorrow, they have obtained a search warrant to go and search his house. They just want to apprehend him and release him so that they may embarrass him before the people of trans Nzoia."

On Monday last week, Governor Natembeya, accompanied by several Members of Parliament and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, was barred by police from accessing the Nzoia Sugar Company in Bungoma County.

The leaders, who had been joined by a team of lawyers, were reportedly on their way to engage management and stakeholders over concerns surrounding the troubled sugar mill when security officers erected a blockade, preventing them from proceeding.

Attempts to reach Governor Natembeya’s communication team for comment on the incident were unsuccessful.

However, EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamud confirmed to NTV that the commission was in charge of the raid, terming it a routine operation, although he did not disclose further details about the nature or target of the exercise.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya watches from his sunroof after police blocked his route on May 12, 2025.

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Sammy