Boniface Kariuki, the 24-year-old face mask vendor who was shot by police during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17, has been declared brain dead, his family confirmed on Sunday.
“We received a call at 12:47 p.m. His brain stem is completely dead,” said family spokesperson Emily Wanjira. “The only fear we have now is when the heart will stop. The only thing we need is justice for our child.”
Kariuki, who was shot at point-blank range with a 12-gauge shotgun, has been in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital’s ICU after undergoing two surgeries. According to doctors, a fragment of the bullet remains lodged in his brain.
“They called it a special bullet. We were told it was a type that splits on impact,” Ms Wanjira said, adding that the family was informed of this during a medical briefing last Thursday.
The incident occurred during a protest calling for justice for Albert Ojwang — the Homa Bay teacher and blogger allegedly abducted from his home and killed in police custody earlier this month. Kariuki’s shooting, captured in viral footage, became a chilling symbol of police brutality amid Kenya’s rising wave of civil unrest.
Kariuki’s father, Jonah, has appealed for help from the State to settle the rising medical bills. “Tunaomba tusaidiwe na hiyo bill,” he said in a tearful plea.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since confirmed that two police officers have been arraigned in connection with the shooting.
