Ichung’wah Defends Asks Kenyans to Respect Police Moments After Cop Shoots Mask Vendor
Just hours after a chilling video emerged showing a police officer shoot a mask vendor at point-blank range in Nairobi’s CBD, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah stunned Parliament—and the nation—by urging Kenyans to “treat the police with honour.”
Speaking passionately in the National Assembly, Ichung’wah said,
“We must speak to our people… let us treat our policemen and women with respect, with honour, and with the dignity they deserve.”
But his comments have ignited fury online. Many Kenyans are questioning the timing of his defense, given the shocking events that unfolded just minutes before.
Tensions High as Vendor Shot During Peaceful Protest
The incident occurred during a peaceful protest calling for justice for slain blogger Albert Ojwang. Protesters filled the Nairobi streets, but chaos erupted when a police officer approached a hawker selling face masks near Imenti House.
Eyewitnesses say the officer slapped the man, identified only as Eli, then stepped back, aimed, and fired at close range.
“He was just selling masks,” said one witness, “He never even raised his voice. And then he was on the ground—bleeding.”
The images, shared widely on social media, showed the victim still gripping a packet of masks as blood poured from his chest. Protesters rushed him to Bliss Medical Centre. Medics later transferred him to Kenyatta National Hospital for advanced care.
MPs Say Police Must Be Respected, Even Amid Brutality
Despite the public outrage, Ichung’wah doubled down, referencing a separate Nakuru incident where a machete-wielding man confronted an officer.
“I commend that officer for not retaliating. That’s the kind of spirit we want to see,” he said.
He added that Kenyans should avoid politicising police work, even as they demand accountability.
Joining him was Saku MP Dido Raso, who said,
“The relationship between Kenyans and the National Police Service must be restored.”
Raso called on the police to instil discipline within their ranks but praised their “transparency and sacrifice.”
Public Reactions Mixed as Demand for Justice Grows
Online, many citizens called Ichung’wah’s remarks tone-deaf and insensitive, with hashtags like #JusticeForEli trending.
Kenyans are now calling on the government to focus on accountability instead of blanket praise.
As one protester put it,
“Respect is earned. Right now, we are bleeding—literally. And they want respect?”
ALSO READ: Officer Who Shot Mask Hawker in Nairobi Arrested After Shocking Protest Incident
Ichung’wah Defends Asks Kenyans to Respect Police Moments After Cop Shoots Mask Vendor
