NAIROBI, Kenya

A Kenyan police officer has been arrested over the shooting of an unarmed face mask vendor Tuesday during violent protests in Nairobi, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed.

The incident, which occurred during demonstrations over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, sparked outrage after a masked police officer was captured on multiple videos shooting the vendor at close range, striking him in the face.

In a statement released late Tuesday, the NPS said it had been following the incident and the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the officer.

The victim, a well-known vendor in the area, was left bleeding heavily from the head, collapsing in front of shocked protesters and journalists.

Many at the scene initially feared he had died, but police later confirmed the man was still alive but in grave condition.

The protests were part of a wider public outcry over the death of Ojwang, a teacher and popular social media figure who died in police custody after being arrested earlier this month.

Demonstrators have accused the police of brutality and cover-ups, calling for accountability from senior leadership.

Kenyan President William Ruto condemned Ojwang's death as "heartbreaking and unacceptable" and demanded a prompt and credible investigation.

Tuesday's protest, one of several in recent days, was mostly peaceful until a group of suspected goons appeared, dressed in plain clothes and wielding sticks.

Several demonstrators claimed that the group was sent to incite violence and disrupt the protest.