Protests Erupt in Nairobi After Man Dies in Alleged Police Assault Over Curfew Violation
Tension gripped parts of Nairobi on Thursday after residents in Kayole staged protests over the death of a 38-year-old man allegedly assaulted by police officers enforcing COVID-19 curfew regulations. The demonstrations broke out early in the morning, with crowds barricading roads and lighting bonfires as they demanded justice for the victim, identified by locals as John Kiiru. Witnesses claimed Kiiru was on his way home on Wednesday night when he was confronted by officers who accused him of breaching the 10 p.m.–4 a.m. curfew.
According to residents, Kiiru had contacted his family shortly after midnight, reporting that he had been badly beaten and was in need of help. His body was later discovered on Thursday morning, sparking widespread anger in the neighbourhood. Protesters chanted anti–police brutality slogans, including Stop killing us, bringing business activities to a standstill as police responded with teargas in attempts to clear blocked roads. Many residents described Kiiru as a familiar face in the community and condemned what they termed an excessive and unjust use of force.
The incident comes at a time when public scrutiny of police conduct is already heightened. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarms over alleged abuses during curfew enforcement, pointing to past cases where civilians have died after encounters with law enforcement officers. Just last week, outrage erupted in Embu County after two brothers—22-year-old Benson Njiru and 19-year-old Emmanuel Mutura—were reported to have died while in police custody for a similar curfew-related arrest. Six officers linked to that case have since been charged in court, further fueling nationwide concerns about accountability within the service.
Rights organizations, including Kenyan-based advocacy group HAKI, condemned the latest incident and called for a transparent investigation into Kiiru’s death. Community leaders and activists are urging the government to reassess curfew enforcement methods to prevent further loss of life. As demands for justice intensify, Kenya’s police oversight bodies face growing pressure to address public fears and restore confidence in law enforcement. For many Nairobi residents, the unfolding developments underscore a deeper plea: that the protection of public health measures must not come at the expense of human rights and civilian safety.