Boniface Kariuki Update: Father Confirms Critically Injured Hawker Stable

Jonah Kariuki, the father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki—the young man who was critically injured after being shot by a uniformed police officer during the Nairobi protests on 17 June—has confirmed that his son is in a stable condition.

Boniface, 22, was unarmed when he was shot at close range near Imenti House, in an incident that has sparked national outrage. He had joined other protesters demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, who allegedly died in police custody.

Speaking to journalists outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Wednesday, 18 June, Jonah said his son, a hawker in Nairobi’s CBD, remains in a critical but stable state.

“All I ask of Kenyans is to keep my son in their prayers,” he pleaded. “I’ve seen him, and while his condition is serious, it’s not hopeless.”

Clearly emotional, the elder Kariuki said Boniface, who sells face masks in the city to earn a living, is the pride of his family.

“I’ve struggled to raise Boniface. He’s my firstborn, and I’m heartbroken. What I want is justice. Police officers must stop shooting innocent Kenyans.”

Kariuki was joined at the hospital by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who had come to show solidarity with the family and attempted to visit the injured hawker.

“I came to see the hawker,” Omtatah told the press. “But I’ve been informed that I can’t see him because he’s in the Intensive Care Unit.”

The senator added, “Boniface is alive, but he’s fighting for his life in the ICU at KNH. We’re praying for his recovery—and for all Kenyans injured during yesterday’s protests.”

Later that evening, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth provided an update, confirming that Boniface was in surgery under the care of a neurosurgical team.

“As we speak, the patient is in theatre,” Dr Amoth said. “An ICU bed has been prepared as a precaution, since a case of this nature requires immediate intensive care support post-surgery.”

The officer responsible for the shooting has been described by witnesses as “trigger-happy,” intensifying public anger over the excessive use of force during peaceful protests.

At the time of publishing, two police officers have reportedly been identified in connection with the incident, with investigations underway.