Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo has called for calm and prayer as tension remains high following violent protests sparked by the death of teacher Albert Ojwang and the shooting of a mask vendor in Nairobi.

Ojwang died in unclear circumstances while in police custody, prompting peaceful protests that turned violent after groups of armed individuals reportedly attacked members of the public and looted businesses.

The chaos left one person with gunshot wounds and several others injured, with traders counting heavy losses.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Archbishop Anyolo condemned the violence and criticised the unchecked actions of armed groups who targeted innocent civilians during the demonstrations.

"We are saddened by the instances that happened yesterday in the city of Nairobi during the protests against the death of Albert Ojwang," he said.

"We are especially saddened by two things: the point blank shooting of a non-violent citizen who seemed to be just an innocent Kenyan in the city, the free operations of groups of goons with poles, robbing and beating up citizens, and destroying properties and businesses without interference by security agencies,"

He urged the youth to remain peaceful in the face of social injustices and encouraged Kenyans to stay hopeful through prayer and resilience.

"Hope in God does not disappoint us. Let us continue to be guided by the spirit of God like Christ Jesus in the face of suffering for what is good and right," he said.

Archbishop Anyolo also called on Catholics in Nairobi and across the country to pray the Holy Rosary for three days, focusing on four key intentions: respect for human life and dignity, peace and order in the country, comfort for victims and families, and wisdom for national leaders.

"On Sunday is the feast of the Corpus Christi in the following Catholic Faith, and the following days we request Priests to celebrate masses with the intentions and continue to invoke God’s mercy upon our country," he added.

Calls for justice have intensified following the shooting of the mask vendor, who remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital.

KNH Chief Executive Officer William Sigilai confirmed that Kariuki was transferred from a city clinic with a serious head wound.

"Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Centre, he was noted to be critically ill with a wound on the left side of his head, resulting in bleeding and evidence of severe injury," said Sigilai.

Leaders and members of the public have continued to demand accountability and reforms as pressure mounts on authorities to act on both the police conduct and the insecurity witnessed during the protests.