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A Kenyan man who was shot in the head at close range by a police officer during protests in Nairobi is now in the intensive care unit after undergoing emergency surgery to remove the bullet. Doctors say he remains in critical condition and on mechanical ventilation.
The shooting sparked outrage on Tuesday as violent clashes erupted in the Kenyan capital. Protesters, who had gathered to denounce police brutality, were attacked by gangs of motorbike-riding “goons” and officers, escalating already simmering tensions in a country still haunted by last year’s mass demonstrations over economic hardship.
The victim, an unarmed street vendor selling face masks, was shot point-blank in the head by a police officer. The horrifying moment was captured by bystanders and witnessed by AFP reporters on the scene.
William Sigilai, the acting head of Kenyatta National Hospital, confirmed the victim’s critical state. “He was critically ill with a gunshot wound to the head, resulting in severe brain injury and excessive bleeding,” Sigilai said. “The bullet was successfully removed during surgery, and he remains on mechanical ventilation.”
“While his condition is still critical, he is alive and under close, round-the-clock observation and care by our medical team,” he added in a statement.
Kenyatta Hospital treated 16 people injured during the protests, suffering from gunshot wounds and blunt-force trauma. Nine were discharged, while seven required surgery. Further details on their conditions were not disclosed.
The demonstrations were initially sparked by allegations of police brutality, following the death of a teacher in police custody earlier this month.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, strongly condemned the actions of law enforcement. “Their responsibility to protect was completely abdicated,” Amnesty said in a joint statement with other Kenyan civil society organisations.
In the wake of the shooting, protesters have vowed to return to the streets on Thursday, calling for justice and an end to police violence.
