Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have called out President William Ruto following the shooting of a hawker in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 17, during protests.
The hawker, who was selling face masks, was shot at close range by a police officer amid ongoing demonstrations sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang.
Gachagua questioned the logic behind the police’s actions, describing the incident as another example of state brutality.
“What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at close range? What police training is this? This is as if the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody isn't enough," he said.
Gachagua went on to accuse the government of orchestrating violence against peaceful protesters.
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“I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today. This has come to pass.
"What is this obsession with the regime with the blood of young people? Why do you continue to paint our country with innocent blood? Who of those criminals who meted out violence on Kenyans today have been arrested?" he added.
Kalonzo also took issue with Ruto following the violence carried out by hired goons during the protests, terming them as state-sponsored terrorism.
“How much more blood, Mr. President, do you need to leave the GenZs alone? What apology of the GenZs and Albert Ojwang's father were you asking for?
"Mr Ruto, earlier today, I urged you to put an end to state-sponsored terrorism against Kenyans. Instead, your goons, hired by Governor Sakaja, terrorised and brutalised innocent Kenyans peacefully protesting the extrajudicial murder of Albert Ojwang on the streets of Nairobi, under your direction and police protection,” he said.
On the shooting of the hawker, Kalonzo said, "Mr Ruto, In broad daylight, your killer squad extrajudicially shot an innocent, unarmed, non-violent hawker who was selling face masks to peaceful demonstrators."
In the wake of the incident, a police officer involved in the shooting has since been arrested.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer involved.
“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,” the NPS said.
NPS confirmed that the victim was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment.
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