A 22-year-old street vendor in Nairobi, Boniface Kariuki, has died after nearly two weeks on life support. His family confirmed his passing a day after doctors declared him brain dead. Speaking to the BBC, family representative Emily Wanjira said they had just viewed his body and would release an official statement later.
Kariuki was shot in the head at close range on June 17 while selling face masks. Police were clamping down on protesters demonstrating over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody. After the shooting, Kariuki was taken to Nairobi’s main public hospital. Despite multiple surgeries, fragments of the bullet remained in his brain. He never regained consciousness, and doctors later confirmed his heart was still beating but there was no brain activity.
News of his condition sparked further outrage across Kenya, with many accusing the police of excessive force and calling for justice. The public also urged the government to cover his medical expenses, which the family had tried to manage through donations.
Two police officers linked to the shooting have appeared in court but have yet to enter pleas. They remain in custody while investigations continue.
The incident adds to growing concerns over police violence in the country. Last week alone, at least 19 people were reportedly killed during nationwide anti-government protests, according to Kenya’s state-funded human rights commission. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stirred further controversy by labelling the protests as terrorism and encouraging police to shoot those attacking stations. His remarks have drawn criticism from rights advocates and legal groups.
The protests began after Albert Ojwang’s death. An autopsy showed he died from injuries sustained while in police custody. Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder. The case also led to the deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat, stepping aside, though calls for his full resignation persist. Lagat had previously accused Ojwang of defamation but denies involvement in his death.
Separately, Kenya’s High Court has ordered the country’s police chief to present missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia in court within 24 hours or appear himself to explain the blogger’s disappearance. Kinyagia was reportedly detained by security agents last week and has not been seen since.
As Boniface Kariuki’s family mourns his loss, they are demanding a transparent investigation into his death and immediate action against those responsible. His story has become another rallying cry in the country’s growing demand for accountability and an end to police brutality.
