Uproar as Kenyans expose police officer who shot at peaceful crowd

The video shows the officer clad in a black cap, blue shirt and grey pants firing his gun at a crowd that was calmly standing watching him and his colleagues load arrested protesters into their van.

The shocking video which was originally posted on TikTok and shared across all other online platforms, highlights the brute force used by police officers during the anti-Finance Bill protests.

In the video shared by Brian Robin, the officer and his colleagues had detained several protestors inside the vehicle and were about to leave when the rogue officer decided to open fire on the crowd just for fun.

The video has since garnered over 200,000 views, with Kenyans calling for the police officer to be arrested and calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to probe the matter.

Further, Kenyans online shared personal details of the rogue officer including his name, phone number, wife's name, and the year he entered police service among others.

“It's another day that IPOA has done nothing about the rogue cop. I am so mad at bureaucracy because we've all seen the videos, the evidence but he's still roaming free. Imagine what he's doing in private.”

“We demand hasty arrest and detainment of the rogue cop. His acts are direct portrayal of a crime against humanity.”

“What was the reason?? Zero provocation nothing. He was just like let me shoot one more to add on my list,” read some of the comments online.

The conversation has brought questions about the use of officers, both uniformed and plain-clothed, who often camouflage in crowds to nab the protestors.

Section 1 of the National Police Service Act 2011 dictates that an officer shall always use non-violent means first and only use lethal force when non-violent means are ineffective.

Further, firearms or lethal force may only be used when less extreme measures have been inadequate and one is forced to act in self-defence or protect other people’s lives.

The Act also states that an officer intending to use firearms shall identify themselves and give clear warning of their intention to use firearms, with sufficient time for the warning to be observed, unless in circumstances where the officer’s life is at risk.

Following the protests, Human rights groups have since called out the government for extra-judicial killings, citing over 20 deaths and scores injured. This was contrary to President William Ruto’s statement, who alleged that six people died during the protests. He also denied the existence of extra-judicial killings since he took office.

@brianrobinmusic Fellow Kenyans, we know When, Where, Whom and How to vote, we just needed a little Why and now we have it. Do not fail to turn up on polls day because you don't like the presidential candidates on the ballot, we also need sane MPs, Governors, Senators, Women Reps and MCAs. I'm familiar with Ruto's words, I'm not convinced, I'm not buying it. If anything, we're more informed and united now more than ever. Whatever the chants say🤝 Video @artbeatpictures #rutomustgo #rejectfinancebill2024 ♬ original sound - Robin