Ababu Namwamba condemns police brutality in viral post, sparks backlash over ties to Ruto govt

Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Hon. Ababu Namwamba, has broken his silence on the recent police brutality witnessed during nationwide protests.

In a strongly worded statement shared on his official X account, Ababu wrote:

“Brutality, excessive force, and violence against unarmed innocent citizens, peacefully exercising their constitutional freedoms of expression, association and assembly, must STOP. Kenya is a CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY.”

Ababu went on to condemn the fatal shooting of a hawker along Kimathi Street, terming it a "grave affront" to Kenya’s constitution. The hawker, identified as Brian Mwangi, was reportedly shot at close range.

Brutality, excessive force and violence against unarmed innocent citizens, peacefully exercising their constitutional freedoms of expression, association and assembly, must STOP. Kenya is a CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY.

The fatal point-blank shooting of a harmless Eli Joshua by a…

— Amb Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH?? (@AbabuNamwamba) June 17, 2025

He also decried the death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody, describing it as: “Unfathomable, incomprehensible and inexcusable, from whatever point of the compass.”

Ababu further issued a stern warning to individuals allegedly funding violent gangs, saying they are "toying with typhoons that will many." He concluded his post with a rallying call: “It is no longer about political sides. It is about the soul of Kenya. It behooves us all to save the Motherland from sliding into jungle rule, mobocracy and anarchy.”

The post quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions from users, many of whom were highly critical of his statement.

@MPWambani replied, “You’re part of the cabal, you excused it last year, so your statement means nothing.”

@TsuliAtetwe challenged him, “Table your resignation letter and join us if you're serious.”

@Joshua_Onsase urged, “Be a man and resign from a murderous regime...”

@NyakuarRAMOGI reminisced, “I remember your swearing in after your maiden election in 2007. The Ababu who was a fearless risk taker who swore allegiance to Raila Odinga instead of Kibaki. What happened to the Ababu of 2007?”

@dkwendo simply concluded, “The Soul of Kenya... that’s the core of our conscience.”

Ababu’s statement comes amid ongoing protests against police brutality, which intensified following the death of Albert Ojwang’ in police custody.

The killing of Brian Mwangi during the protests has further fueled public outrage and calls for accountability.