The family of Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old a hawker who was shot at close range by a police officer during Tuesday’s anti-Lagat protests in Nairobi, is grappling with both a skyrocketing hospital bill and financial exploitation by fraudsters posing as government officials
Boniface, a face mask vendor, was shot at close range by a police officer during demonstrations demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He is currently admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), under life support after undergoing two brain surgeries to remove bullet fragments lodged in his head. His condition remains dire.
During a press briefing, his father, Jonah Kariuki, revealed that he was conned out of Ksh.200,500 by individuals claiming to be officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA). The fraudsters promised to help settle his son’s medical bills if he registered with the SHA scheme, which they falsely claimed required a Ksh.20,500 payment.
“Kuna mtu alikuwa ameniambia nimpee Ksh.20,000 atanisaidia kwa bill lakini mwenye alituma akatuma Ksh.200,500. Nimechukua OB,” he said, confirming that he had reported the incident to the police and that investigations were ongoing.
The Social Health Authority has since issued a public advisory confirming that registration for the national health scheme is completely free. Kenyans are urged to register via official government channels such as USSD, online portals, or through employers, none of which require payments.
Meanwhile, the family has confirmed that Boniface’s hospital bill has hit Ksh.1 million and is increasing daily. “We don’t have the full bill yet, but the preliminary figure is around a million shillings,” said Jonah.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru described Boniface’s medical condition as extremely critical. “The left side of his body is completely paralyzed, and his brain capacity is at 2 out of 15. He cannot talk. There was a slight improvement yesterday, but we’re not sure what kind of life he will have after this. He is still fighting,” she said.
The family also decried the lack of support from relevant authorities, noting that neither the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) nor the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had contacted them regarding the case. “We’ve now sought legal representation to push for accountability,” Wanjiru stated, urging the justice system to hold the officers responsible for the shooting to account.
The tragic case has sparked renewed outrage over police brutality and the exploitation of vulnerable families. It underscores the urgent need for transparency, justice reform, and greater protection for victims of both violence and fraud amid ongoing political unrest in the country.
Written By Rodney Mbua
