Lawyer Felix Keaton has withdrawn from representing two police officers accused of shooting a 22-year-old mask vendor during protests in Nairobi’s central business district, citing intense public pressure from Gen Z.

Keaton said the volume of calls and messages he received after taking up the case had become overwhelming.

“I’ve received over 1,000 messages and calls from Gen Z for representing a police suspect,” Keaton said.

“As such, I hereby recuse myself from the conduct of the matter. Thank you.”

Keaton had been defending Klinzy Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, the officers accused of shooting Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday’s protests.

His earlier defence, claiming mistaken identity and denying the officer fired the rubber bullet, triggered widespread criticism on social media.

“Our client didn’t discharge that rubber bullet; this is a mistaken identity case,” Keaton had argued. But online users, many from the Gen Z demographic, flooded his inbox with what they called “greetings” — a term used to describe a surge of messages and calls aimed at pressuring or confronting someone publicly.

Kariuki, who was selling masks during the protest, was shot at close range after a confrontation with police.

The bullet struck near his ear, and he collapsed on the pavement.

He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in recovery.

The shooting has sparked national outrage, with growing calls for police accountability and reform.

The National Police Service named Barasa and Kiprono as the officers involved.

They were interdicted, arrested, and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts last week.

A magistrate ordered the two to be held at Capitol Hill Police Station for 15 days as investigations continue.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is leading the probe, while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority is also involved and may recommend charges including attempted murder and unlawful use of a firearm.