Two Kenyan police officers appeared in court on Thursday in connection with the shooting of a street vendor during protests in Nairobi earlier this week. The incident, which took place in broad daylight on a busy street and was caught on camera, has reignited public anger over ongoing police brutality in the country.
A Nairobi court has given investigators 15 days to complete their investigation into the actions of officers Duncan Kiprono and Klinzy Barasa, who allegedly attacked and shot a street vendor during Tuesday’s protests. The officers will remain in custody until July 3.
The protests erupted following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody at the Central Police Station. Ojwang was arrested on June 6 for allegedly spreading “false information” about a senior police officer. Kenyan authorities claim he died after hitting his head on a cell wall, but human rights groups have questioned the explanation and are demanding accountability.
Tuesday’s protesters also demanded the arrest of Deputy Chief Inspector Eliud Lagat, who filed a defamation complaint against Ojwang. Lagat announced earlier in the week that he was stepping aside to cooperate with the investigation.
The officers wore face masks during the court hearings, drawing criticism from activists who accused them of trying to hide from public scrutiny.
Kenya has long been plagued by accusations of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. President William Ruto has vowed to reform the police, but anti-tax protests last year led to fresh demands for his resignation after several activists were kidnapped and killed.