Raila sends Ruto message after shooting of hawker in Nairobi CBD
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga has called on President William Ruto to address police brutality in the country.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga has called on President William Ruto to address police brutality in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 17, the former Prime Minister said the President should address the issue before it gets out of hand.
He pointed out that excessive use of law enforcement agencies against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must be dealt with.
Raila also condemned the shooting of an unarmed hawker in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday during protests, saying police officers have gone ‘rogue’.
“The viral video circulating on social media is horrifying to watch. Our police officers have completely gone rogue. There was no imminent threat posed to the officer, yet he chose to use excessive and lethal force against an innocent civilian.
“Kenyans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, and I call upon the President to urgently address this escalating situation before it spirals out of control. The continued use of violence by law enforcement against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and must be met with immediate accountability,” said Raila.
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.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, in a press briefing on Tuesday night, said the hawker was taken to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and was undergoing emergency surgery.
“The patient was received here at around 4 PM; he was promptly evaluated by the emergency team, the necessary first aid was thereafter administered, and the necessary tests conducted,” he stated.
Amoth also said that neurosurgeons recommended immediate surgical intervention on the victim following the assessments.
I warned of a plot to kill protesters; Gachagua
Police officer who shot Nairobi mask vendor arrested – NPS says
School bus crashes on Kasarani-Mwiki Road after driver falls sick while driving
Police shoot one dead as hired goons attack protesters in Nairobi CBD
Kenya leads Africa in digital fraud incidents; Report
WhatsApp to introduce paid advertisements in status
“Evaluation by the neurosurgeons indicated that he was required to undergo an emergency neurosurgical procedure. As we speak, the patient is in theatre with the neurosurgical team,” he stated.
Further, Amoth revealed that intensive care arrangements had already been put in place in anticipation of post-surgery needs on the patient.
“As a precaution, we have prepared an ICU bed because a case of such nature requires ICU support immediately in the post-operation period,” Amoth added.
As of the time of publishing this article, the Ministry of Health and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) had yet to issue an update on the condition of the hawker.
The police officer who shot the hawker has so far been arrested and taken to custody following a directive by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
“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 National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.
No amount of noise, propaganda will distract me; Ruto
Dr. Patrick Amoth issues update on status of hawker shot in Nairobi CBD
Activist Hanifa Adan beaten up by goons in Nairobi CBD
HELB announces 80% waiver for loan defaulters
Nandi residents hold protests in defence of DIG Eliud Lagat
Ruto signs anti-money laundering bill into law
Follow us
