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...
Thoughts from a Kenyan entrepreneur passionate about startups.