The family of 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a hawker who was shot in the head by an anti-riot police officer during ongoing protests in Nairobi, is now demanding justice and accountability for the excessive use of force. Mwangi, who was selling facemasks along Moi Avenue when the incident occurred, is currently in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
His father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, emotionally addressed the press on Wednesday morning outside KNH. Visibly shaken but relieved, Mr. Nyambura confirmed that his son is alive, dispelling earlier fears that he had died. “I saw him in the video on my phone, and around 8pm, I received a call saying my son had been shot. I spent the night here at the hospital and saw him in ICU this morning. At least now I have hope,” he said.
Nyambura questioned the rationale behind the police officer’s actions, stressing that his son was simply trying to make a living. “What offence did my son commit that he had to be shot in the head? He was just selling facemasks to survive,” he lamented. He also called on law enforcement to exercise restraint, reminding officers that victims of such violence are also someone’s children. “Police officers should be responsible. The one they shot is also somebody’s son. Tough action must be taken.”
Boniface, who is the eldest in a family of five, has four younger sisters who now anxiously await news of his recovery.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who stood in solidarity with the family, condemned the shooting and broader police brutality during public demonstrations. He urged authorities to take swift action and uphold justice.
In response to public outcry, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the officer responsible has been arrested, amid mounting pressure to address the growing concerns over police conduct during protests.
The incident has reignited calls for comprehensive police reforms and reinforced the demand for justice for victims of state violence across Kenya.
