Karen Nyamu Claims Ruto Is Angered after Cop Shoots Hawker During Protests
- Karen Nyamu shared a video of a Nairobi hawker’s shooting, expressing outrage and asking whether the victim was specifically targeted
- Her claim that President William Ruto was furious about the incident stirred backlash, with critics questioning her authority to speak on his behalf
- Netizens flooded her comments with anger and doubt, some accusing her of deflecting, while others demanded to know where the president truly stands on police brutality
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has spoken out following the harrowing shooting of a hawker during protests in Nairobi, an incident that has left the nation reeling.
Source: Facebook
What did Nyamu say about hawker's shooting?
Taking to her Facebook page, Nyamu shared a video capturing the moment a police officer shot the young hawker at close range.
The incident occurred during the June 17 protests, which had turned chaotic amid growing calls for justice over the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
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Visibly disturbed, the legislator narrated her own interpretation of the clip:
“Guys, what is this!! What do you even call this!!? Hii ndio nini sasa, watu wangu?? A killer cop takes aim from a distance but holds fire, realising he might shoot his own colleague. He then moves in and shoots the unarmed young man at point blank.”
Having recently drawn criticism over her earlier remarks about Ojwang’s mysterious death in police custody, Nyamu appeared to choose her words more carefully this time, questioning the motive behind the attack:
“I always try to think outside the box. But today, you tell me what do you make of this? Was he targeted? Was this a random occurrence? Please, pray for him as he fights for his life.”
She ended her post with a strong hashtag: #EndPoliceBrutality.
What is Ruto's stance on hawker's shooting?
However, it was a comment exchange in the post’s replies that sparked even more interest.
When one follower told her to direct her questions to President William Ruto, Nyamu responded in kind.
She revealed that the head of state was already aware of the incident.
“He is as furious as we are about the unfortunate incident,” she wrote.
Her claim quickly ignited debate, with several netizens questioning her authority to speak on behalf of the president and demanding an official statement from the head of state himself.
Others questioned what she tried to put across by asking if the victim was targeted.
More than 12 hours later, the president is yet to issue a statement on the shooting of Boniface Kariuki and other protesters during the demos.
The head of state, instead, shared photos attending two different events, including the Affordable Housing project in Naivasha, Nakuru county.
On Wednesday, June 18, Ruto hosted a delegation from Kisumu County led by Governor Anyang Nyong'o.
Kenyans camped on his social media posts asking him to break his silence following police brutality, but he remains quiet.
Watch the distressing video here.
Here are some of their comments:
ruthey Ruthie:
"In whose hands are we safe? Ruto akiulizwa mwenyewe anasema aje?"
Lumumba Luvinzu:
"You people need to ask for God's forgiveness."
Lisa de SAMMY:
"Furious you say? Mbona yeye hajaongea? Mungu aliye juu anaona haya yote."
Ayanga Lozenja Perpetua:
"Ooops he didn't shoot himself.. I thought the opposition is crafty enough to shoot themselves and blame the govt. Or they are only experts in self abduction."
Paul K Kinyanjui:
"I guess you have learnt your lesson. I thought you will point finger at the opposition."
Sharon Chemwetich:
"Let me ask you also madam Karenzo pia hii mtasema? Kenyans wanakufa tu ka kuku where is humanity?the same police who are supposed to guard us they are the same fellow finishing us....in whose hands a we safe and what is Ruto's stance on police brutality?"
Source: Facebook
Did Nyamu apologise for her comments on Ojwang's death?
After sparking outrage with remarks suggesting the opposition could have staged the Albert Ojwang murder incident, Nyamu later issued an apology.
She clarified that her statement was made prior to a press briefing by Police IG Douglas Kanja that shed light on the details of the incident.
Nyamu also appealed to Ruto to deliver justice and compensation to Ojwang’s family.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added details on what Ruto's stance is on the hawker's shooting.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
