A street vendor shot in the head by police during anti-brutality protests in Nairobi has died, a day after doctors declared him brain dead. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday.
“Boniface is no more. We have just viewed his body,” said family spokesperson Emily Wanjira in a statement.
Boniface Kariuki, who sold face masks on the street, was shot at close range on 17 June during a protest sparked by the death in police custody of 31 year old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. He was admitted to Nairobi’s main public referral hospital, where he remained on life support for nearly two weeks.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, doctors were unable to remove all the bullet fragments from his brain. He never regained consciousness, and his condition fueled public outrage over what many see as a growing crisis of police violence.
The tragedy has intensified demands for justice, with many Kenyans calling on the government to assist with Kariuki’s medical expenses, which his family had been fundraising for.
Legal and Security Fallout
Two police officers linked to the shooting have appeared in court but have not yet entered pleas. They remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a broader crackdown, Kenya’s Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, reported that 485 people have been arrested in connection with recent unrest, accused of crimes including murder, terrorism, and destruction of property. Amin asserted that “no one will hide behind peaceful protest to commit criminal acts” and promised more arrests based on CCTV and digital evidence.
Meanwhile, rights groups report at least 19 protesters were killed last Wednesday, while authorities contend that demonstrators attacked police stations and targeted officers. At least 11 police personnel reportedly suffered serious injuries.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent comments labeling the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent” have drawn sharp criticism, especially after he urged police to “shoot on sight” civilians attacking government institutions.
In a related legal development, a Kenyan High Court has ordered Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja to produce blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia reportedly detained by security officers and now missing within 24 hours or appear in court to account for his whereabouts.
As tension grows, civil society groups are urging for restraint, justice, and accountability in the handling of both protesters and law enforcement responses.
