International pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government following the violent dispersal of peaceful protests in Nairobi and Mombasa, with the United Kingdom leading calls for accountability after the fatal shooting of a young protester.
On June 18, 2025, the British High Commission in Kenya issued a strongly worded statement condemning the excessive use of force by Kenyan police against unarmed civilians demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
The protests turned tragic when 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki was shot dead by an anti-riot officer in broad daylight on Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The incident was captured on video and widely shared on social media, showing Kariuki being assaulted before one of the officers fired the fatal shot.
“We are deeply disturbed by the violence against unarmed civilians and protestors yesterday,” the British High Commission stated. “We urge a swift, independent, and transparent investigation into the actions of the police. Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect.”
The UK also extended sympathy to those injured and emphasized that the legitimacy of law enforcement relies on its adherence to human rights principles.
The protest, organized by a coalition of civil society groups and youth activists, had been planned as a peaceful demonstration to highlight growing concerns over police brutality, impunity, and lack of accountability within Kenya’s security forces. Protesters accused Eliud Lagat of overseeing a culture of excessive force and demanded reforms within the National Police Service.
Back in Nairobi, human rights organizations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International Kenya, have echoed the UK’s sentiments, calling for urgent and independent investigations into the incident. They warned that continued state violence could erode public trust and further destabilize the country ahead of sensitive political and economic reforms.
“This is not just about one life lost,” said George Kegoro, a prominent human rights advocate. “It’s about a systemic failure to protect the rights of citizens. If the government does not act now, it risks losing both domestic legitimacy and international standing.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed it is investigating the shooting, but Kenyans on social media remain skeptical, citing past delays and a lack of convictions in similar cases.
As the calls for justice grow louder, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads facing not only internal dissent but also the scrutiny of the international community. Whether the government will deliver justice and reform its security institutions remains to be seen.
