Startup Kenya

On the afternoon of 17 June 2025, a shocking video emerged from Moi Avenue, Nairobi. In under 10 seconds, it appeared to capture a summary execution: a man is approached by police, questioned briefly, shoved, and then shot in the head. The officers walk away. The footage spread swiftly across social media and news platforms, prompting outrage and grief. But beyond the emotion lies a stark legal truth: the shooting was not just excessive. It was unlawful. This article outlines the legal standards governing police use of force in Kenya, and why, in this case, the conduct of the officers falls short—fatally so. 1. What the Video Shows The video—recorded on Moi Avenue—unfolds in this sequence: A man is seen selling face masks near a closed shopfront. Protests or unrest are visible in the background. Two uniformed police officers walk into frame, spot the man, and engage him. After a one-to-two second verbal exchange, one officer shoves the man. Almost immediately, the off...

Amid the hullabaloo of Osama’s killing and the crippling fuel shortage that hit Nairobi, a shocking announcement sneaked its way into the paper yesterday without anyone making too much a fuss about it.  It was reported that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission has been monitoring text messages and internet-based communication for any clues of hate speech and incitement. Surprisingly though this news does not appear on the front pages of any of the main media houses websites this morning. As if to allay the obvious concerns on privacy, Commissioner Halakhe Waqo “assured phone users that adequate steps have been taken to safeguard individual privacy unless it breaches national security and peaceful co-existence “ Seems harmless enough so far. But then Commissioner Waqo went on to say: “We do recognise that privacy is very important for an individual but public security and safety is much more important. We want to pin down that breach in public safety and security...