A Nairobi trader who was shot in the head during anti-government protests in the city centre remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency brain surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The victim, Boniface Kariuki, was caught in the chaos that unfolded on June 17 and was rushed to KNH’s Accident and Emergency Department at 3:16 PM. He arrived in a life-threatening state, having sustained a severe gunshot wound to the left side of his head. The injury caused significant brain trauma and heavy bleeding.
Upon arrival, the hospital’s emergency team immediately stabilised the patient and placed him on life support. A CT scan conducted shortly after revealed that a bullet had become lodged deep within the left hemisphere of his brain. In response, the hospital assembled a multidisciplinary surgical team to perform a delicate and complex operation to remove the bullet.
The procedure began at 8:50 PM and lasted approximately two hours. Neurosurgeons worked meticulously to navigate the damaged brain tissue and extract the bullet while minimising further trauma. Following the surgery, Kariuki was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remains on mechanical ventilation and under constant monitoring. His condition is still critical, but he has so far survived what doctors described as a high-risk procedure.
The hospital reported receiving 16 patients from the protest-related violence on that day. Of these, seven were admitted for further treatment, while nine were treated and discharged. Two patients, including Kariuki, underwent emergency surgical operations, and four others are scheduled for surgery. One of the victims, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, sustained a skull fracture believed to be the result of an assault and remains under close observation.
Medical staff at the hospital worked tirelessly to respond to the influx of casualties. First responders and civilians were praised for their quick action in ferrying the injured from the streets to the hospital. The health care teams also received commendation for their professionalism and dedication under the intense pressure of a mass casualty situation.
Despite the challenges, the KNH medical teams continue to provide round-the-clock care to the injured, with hopes that the critical cases, including Kariuki’s, will pull through. The incident has drawn national attention and intensified scrutiny on the use of force during public protests, raising concern over civilian safety amid escalating tensions.
