Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has challenged human rights activists to take to the streets in protest over the killing of Police Constable Bernard Koome, who was gunned down while on duty in Thika Town, Kiambu County.

The senator, in a post on his official X account on Thursday, June 19, 2025, turned his attention to civil society groups and human rights defenders.

“I hope tomorrow all busybody activists will be on the streets to demonstrate against the killing of this distinguished officer… The push for human rights should be for all Kenyans regardless of who they are.” Cherargei wrote.

Cherargei demanded justice for the fallen officer, stating that they shot a protector and tore a family apart, reiterating that his sacrifice should be met with swift justice.

“They shot a protector. They tore a family apart. We demand that his sacrifice be met with swift justice.” Read part of his attachment.

His remarks, accompanied by the hashtag #JusticeForBernardKoome, have generated heated debate, including the recent killing of Boniface Kariuki, a vendor allegedly shot by police in Nairobi during anti-brutality protests on June 17, 2025.

According to a statement released on Thursday, June 19, 2025, by the Office of the Inspector General, the officer was fatally shot by a criminal and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The 32-year-old police constable Benard Koome was shot and killed in the line of duty at the Cravers area in Thika Town, Kiambu County, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Koome was on duty when he confronted a motorcycle rider and a brief altercation ensued, during which the assailant allegedly opened fire, shooting the officer in the neck. Despite being rushed to Thika Level 5 Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

The contrasting incidents have deepened public discourse around police accountability and protection. While officers are often criticised for misconduct, cases of police officers being killed in the line of duty have rarely received widespread attention or activism.

As of Thursday evening, no official statement had been issued by human rights organisations regarding Cherargei’s challenge.