Police Killings in Maandamano: 2022–2025
1. Arshad Sharif (October 23, 2022)
Although not a Maandamano protester, the death of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif at a police roadblock in Kajiado sparked outrage and scrutiny of police lethal use of force in Kenya
2. Unnamed Maseno University Student (March 20, 2023)
During nationwide anti–anti-cost-of-living protests, a Maseno University student was fatally shot in the neck by police in Nairobi. Over 200 arrests were made that day
3. John Okoth Obonyo (July 19–21, 2023)
John, a 32-year-old cobbler in Nakuru, was shot in the stomach by police on July 19, 2023, while returning from work. He survived for two days in hospital before succumbing to his injuries on July 21.
4. Walter Odoyo Awuonda (July 20, 2023)
A 19-year-old in Kisumu, Walter was shot in the head by police during a protest. After being assisted home, he later died, reportedly saying, “the police have killed me”
5. Douglas “Sinko” Kalasinga (July 20, 2023)
28‑year-old motorbike operator and content creator in Kawangware, Nairobi, Douglas was shot in a crowd by a plain-clothed officer, despite posing no threat
Benjamin, 32, was on his way to a chemist in Nakuru when a policewoman shot him above the left eye. The bullet exited the back of his head. He lay wounded for hours before being collected by officers
7. Wanjiru (July 12, 2023)
A 20‑year‑old student in Mlolongo, Machakos, shot by police firing into a protest crowd. She died on arrival at Mariakani Hospital; her bullet wound was discovered lodged in her heart .
8. Peter Ngolanye (July 19, 2023)
A 25‑year‑old water vendor in Wote, Makueni County. Police shot him in the right rib; he died on arrival at Wote Referral Hospital. His death was confirmed by the governor
9. Eleven Protesters in Kisumu & Kisii (July 28–30, 2023)
Amnesty International confirmed at least 11 deaths—mostly by bullet wounds and some blunt trauma—during regional protests in the western counties
10. Kepher Odiwuor Ouma, Charles Owino, Shaquille Obienge, Denzel Omondi (June–July 2024)
These activists and protesters died from gunshot, blunt trauma, or drowning, but morgue records falsely listed their deaths as accidents or mob justice, exposing a pattern of police cover-ups
11. Rex Kanyike Masai (June 20–21, 2024)
During Occupy Parliament protests, 29-year-old Rex was shot in the thigh by police live fire near Parliament. He bled to death before reaching the hospital
12. Nineteen Protesters (June 25, 2024)
Police opened fire when protesters stormed the Parliament building, killing at least 19 people in Nairobi during the Finance Bill protests 13. Albert Omondi Ojwang (June 8, 2025)
Teacher and blogger arrested in Homa Bay for allegedly defaming the deputy police chief. He died in Nairobi detention from head and neck assault injuries. Autopsy contradicted claims of suicide. Six officers are under investigation
14. Unnamed Protester in Nairobi (June 17, 2025)
During protests over Ojwang’s death, at least one person was shot dead in Nairobi—identity and cause remain under investigation
15. Boniface Kariuki (June 17, 2025)
A 22-year-old mask vendor shot in Nairobi protests following Ojwang’s death. He suffered a severe head wound and remains in intensive care
📝 Reflection by Evans Muguna
From targeted shootings of bystanders like Wanjiru, Peter, and Douglas, to Rex’s death during finance-bill protests, and the violent suppression of demonstrators at Parliament—these events underscore a recurring pattern: fatal police force, coverups of protester deaths, and denial of accountability. The death of Albert Ojwang inside custody is the most harrowing case, triggering fresh waves of anger and exposing the deep fractures in Kenya’s rule of law.
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