Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor who was shot by police during recent anti-government
protests in Nairobi, has been declared brain dead. This incident has renewed calls for police
accountability in Kenya.
Kariuki was critically injured on June 17, 2025, near Moi Avenue while selling face masks. Witnesses say
police officers were dispersing demonstrators protesting against police brutality when one officer
turned and shot Kariuki at close range. He was not part of the protest but happened to be at the scene
earning his daily income. The bullet lodged in his head, causing significant brain damage and leaving him
unresponsive.
Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed that Kariuki is brain dead, with no brain activity
detected. Although his heart is still beating with the aid of life support machines, specialists say there is
no hope of recovery. They reported that the bullet caused irreversible damage to his brainstem, and attempts to surgically remove the fragments have proven too risky.
Kariuki’s family is shocked by the turn of events. His father, John Kariuki, has appealed to the public
and the government for support, both emotional and financial. The family is now facing a hospital bill of
over KSh 2.7 million. “My son did nothing wrong. He was simply working to support us. Now, we are
watching him die slowly while the officer who shot him continues to enjoy freedom,” he said tearfully.
Following the incident, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation
and confirmed that the officer who fired the shot has been identified and taken in for questioning.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have condemned the act, describing
it as a blatant abuse of power and a reflection of the systemic brutality within the police force.
The shooting of Kariuki came amid heightened tension in Nairobi and other parts of the country
following the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. His death, which has now
been confirmed as a result of blunt force trauma, triggered nationwide protests led by youth demanding
justice and reform within the National Police Service.
As of now, the family is awaiting an official declaration of clinical death from the hospital, which would
pave the way for possible organ donation and final rites. However, they continue to hope that their son’s tragedy will lead to meaningful change.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has also called on the government to immediately
compensate the family and expedite the prosecution of the police officer involved.
As the country awaits justice for Boniface Kariuki, the story of a young man whose only crime was being
in the wrong place at the wrong time has reignited a national conversation on the use of force by law
enforcement and the value of every Kenyan life.
About the Author
Grateful for the opportunity to share this heartbreaking incident. Stories like this remind us of the urgent need of justice and accountability. May this spark conversations that lead to real change