Veteran gospel singer Mercy Masika has expressed heartbreak and outrage following the tragic shooting of a Nairobi hawker who was gunned down by police at close range during protests on June 17. The vendor, who was reportedly selling masks to demonstrators in the city centre, became a symbol of the violent escalation witnessed during the nationwide unrest. Masika took to social media to pen an emotional message, describing the incident as “the saddest thing in this country,” as she shared a video of MP Millie Odhiambo speaking about the tragedy in Parliament.
Following the widespread public outcry, the National Police Service released a statement confirming that the officer responsible for the shooting had been identified and arrested. The announcement came amid growing condemnation of police brutality and repeated calls for accountability and restraint by security forces during demonstrations.
Masika’s post echoed the sentiments of thousands of Kenyans who demanded justice and decried what many see as a pattern of unnecessary force. Netizens flooded her comment section with grief and frustration, with many calling for comprehensive police reforms and the protection of human rights. The video she shared captured MP Odhiambo accusing law enforcement of targeting a harmless vendor who posed no threat, sparking fresh anger over the role of police during protests.
The incident has triggered a renewed debate about the excessive use of force by authorities, especially against civilians. Some Kenyans questioned why armed officers ignored violent looters yet chose to shoot at an unarmed man conducting his business. The victim was allegedly from Homa Bay, although there were conflicting reports about his identity.
As the nation reels from the impact of the shooting, other voices have joined the call for action. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris urged the government to introduce body cameras for officers and invest more in police training. Meanwhile, fellow celebrities like Abel Mutua and Awinja also condemned the violence, while political leaders such as Martha Karua questioned how long ordinary citizens would continue to suffer under state-sanctioned force.
President William Ruto is reportedly angered by the shooting, according to comments made by Senator Karen Nyamu. She shared the now-viral footage of the incident and said the President had been moved to fury by the hawker’s death, though this statement has stirred mixed reactions among Kenyans online.
As the demand for justice grows louder, Mercy Masika’s voice adds to a chorus of grief, resistance, and a call for transformation in how law enforcement engages with the public. Her message, though brief, reflects the collective exhaustion of a people long burdened by state violence — and the urgent need for a country that protects its citizens instead of turning against them.
