Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has stirred both support and criticism following her call for increased funding toward police training after a hawker was shot by law enforcement. The incident, which took place in Nairobi’s Central Business District, involved a confrontation between police and informal traders that turned violent—once again spotlighting the strained relationship between authorities and the urban poor.
What Happened?
According to eyewitnesses, the hawker was shot during an operation to clear the streets of unlicensed vendors. Video footage shared online shows a chaotic scene: officers chasing hawkers, people screaming, and moments later, the wounded man on the ground. The shooting immediately sparked anger among locals and online users, reigniting long-standing concerns over police brutality in Kenya.
Passaris Responds
In response, Esther Passaris took to social media and later addressed the media, calling for dedicated funds for police training. “We need to re-train our officers in conflict resolution and crowd control. We cannot continue to treat poverty with violence,” she said.
Her comments triggered a wave of reactions. Supporters praised her for addressing a systemic issue that often goes ignored. Critics, however, accused her of politicizing the tragedy or offering surface-level solutions without deeper structural reform.
A Larger Pattern
This is not the first time law enforcement has come under fire for heavy-handed tactics. In recent years, similar cases have emerged involving boda boda riders, protesters, and now hawkers—groups often on the margins of society. The common denominator: limited accountability and training for police when handling vulnerable populations.
Passaris’ call brings attention to a recurring question in Kenyan politics: What kind of policing do citizens deserve, and how do we fund it?
Public and Political Reactions
Public reaction to Esther Passaris’ call for police training funds after the hawker was shot has been polarized. Some citizens appreciate the idea of proactive reform, especially as trust in the police continues to wane. Others argue that money isn’t the issue—it’s about enforcing discipline and rooting out corruption within the system.
On social media, hashtags related to police reform trended for hours, with users sharing personal stories of police encounters. Some political figures echoed Passaris’ sentiments, while others remained silent, reflecting the divisiveness of the issue.
What’s Next?
As investigations into the shooting proceed, eyes remain on how both the national and county governments will respond. Will there be funding for police training, or will this be another episode in a long list of public outcries that fade away?
For now, Esther Passaris’ call for police training funds after a hawker is shot has opened a conversation many believe is long overdue—one that could redefine how Kenya approaches law enforcement in public spaces.
