By Daniel Otieno, Nairobi
Tensions across Kenya escalated further after a peaceful protester, 22-year-old Eli Joshua, was fatally shot at close range during anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi’s central business district.
Eli, a face mask vendor, had joined hundreds of demonstrators calling for justice for Albert Ojwang – a blogger and teacher who recently died in police custody.
Witnesses say Eli was not protesting aggressively, but selling masks to the crowd when chaos erupted.
“We were chanting peacefully when the police started firing. Then Eli just fell,” said one protester, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. “He was unarmed. He didn’t deserve to die.”
A harrowing video circulating online captures the moment Eli collapsed, blood staining his shirt as fellow demonstrators screamed for help. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The shooting has reignited public outrage over police brutality in Kenya and triggered widespread condemnation from human rights groups and opposition leaders.
“We are deeply saddened by the killing of Eli Joshua. This is not the first time a peaceful protester has been gunned down,” said human rights activist Hussain Khalid. “There must be justice.”
In response to the uproar, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed it has launched an investigation.
The National Police Service also released a statement confirming the arrest of the officer involved.
“The Inspector General ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” read the statement.
As word of Eli’s killing spread, protests erupted in other towns, and leaders across the political divide called for swift action.
“Eli Joshua’s blood must not be shed in vain,” said MP Millie Odhiambo of Suba South, Eli’s home constituency. “Kenyans must have the freedom to speak and assemble without fear.”
