Boniface Kariuki dies two weeks after police shooting in Nairobi protest
Kariuki had undergone multiple surgeries, including one to remove a bullet from his head, though doctors said fragments remained lodged in his brain.
Boniface Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira . Photo/Mpasho.
By Maxwel Maungu
Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot during the “Justice for Albert Ojwang” protests on June 17, has died, his family confirmed Monday afternoon.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira said Kariuki was pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m. at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since the shooting along Tom Mboya Street. He was reportedly shot at close range during a demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
“We will now have to get the total bill because we have been told he is no more,” Wanjira said.
Kariuki’s death comes a day after doctors declared him brain-dead. On Sunday, Wanjira told reporters the family had been called to the hospital at midnight Saturday and informed of his condition.
“They told us that he is now brain-dead but there is still a pulse,” she said. “They cannot turn off the life support machine because of legal issues.”
Kariuki had undergone multiple surgeries, including one to remove a bullet from his head, though doctors said fragments remained lodged in his brain. His condition remained critical, and he was placed in the intensive care unit, where he underwent further procedures to support breathing and feeding.
Wanjira said the family’s hospital bill had exceeded 3 million Kenyan shillings.
Before the shooting, Kariuki sold face masks on the streets of Nairobi. His case has drawn public attention amid national outcry over police conduct during recent protests.
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