President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has strongly condemned police brutality following the June 17 shooting of a 22-year-old hawker, Boniface Kariuki, during anti-police demonstrations in Nairobi. Kuria made the remarks on June 22 after visiting Boniface at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by a police officer.
The young mask vendor was reportedly shot at close range, sparking national outrage. Kuria described the incident as “indefensible no matter the context,” adding that it was a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues within the police service.
“This act is indefensible, no matter the context,” said Kuria. “Coming soon after the cold-blooded murder of Albert Ojwang, this should be a wake-up call for the urgent need for re-orientation of our police.”
In his statement, Kuria assured Boniface’s father, Jonathan Kariuki, of his full support and expressed solidarity with families affected by police violence. He further decried the rising cases of abductions, extra-judicial killings, and forced disappearances, stating that such actions are incompatible with a democratic society.
The incident has added to the growing list of alleged police abuses amid ongoing nationwide protests. Human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force to quell peaceful demonstrations, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Kuria’s condemnation stands out as one of the strongest public rebukes of police conduct from a senior government official. His remarks increase pressure on the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service to address systemic abuses and implement comprehensive reforms.
The officer implicated in the shooting of Boniface was arrested and arraigned in court alongside a colleague last week, a move welcomed by rights activists.
In response to the continuing crisis, civil society groups are planning a major protest on June 25 to honour the lives lost during recent demonstrations. They are calling for justice, accountability, and urgent police reform to restore public trust in law enforcement.
