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Home Human Rights Hawker Shot at Close Range by Kenya Police During Youth-Led Protests Declared Brain Dead

Human Rights News

Hawker Shot at Close Range by Kenya Police During Youth-Led Protests Declared Brain Dead

Confidence UbaniJune 30, 20251 Mins read77

Credit: Citizen Digital

A 22-year-old street vendor who was shot in the head at close range by a police officer during last week’s protests in Nairobi has been declared brain dead.

Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who sold face masks on the streets, was shot on June 17 along Mondlane Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District. According to eyewitnesses, including an Associated Press journalist, Kariuki was unarmed and walking away when a masked police officer shot him at close range. He was holding a packet of face masks at the time and was not involved in the protest.

The protests were part of growing public anger over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who was found dead in police custody at the Central Police Station. On Sunday, June 29, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital informed Kariuki’s family that his brainstem had stopped functioning. While his heart and other organs remain active, he has been declared brain dead.

We received a call from the hospital at 12.47am saying that they needed to have a brief with us, and we have been told what is happening. The reality of things is that Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is declared brain dead. The brainstem of Boniface is not working any longer”, said Emily Wanjira, a family member.

She also disclosed that the hospital bill had exceeded Ksh3 million (about $23,500), and the family is appealing to well-wishers for support. Commenting on the incident, former police spokesperson Charles Owino alleged that Kariuki had insulted one of the officers shortly before the shooting. However, no insult can justify the use of live ammunition on an unarmed civilian walking away from officers.

The two officers involved, Klinzy Baraza Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, have been interdicted and are currently in custody as investigations continue. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has reportedly launched a probe into the shooting.