The family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot in the head by an anti-riot police officer along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during recent protests, is now demanding justice and accountability.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday morning, the victim’s father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, expressed shock and pain over the shooting, questioning what offence his son had committed to warrant such excessive use of force.
“My son was only fending for himself by selling facemasks,” Nyambura said. “I saw him in the video on my phone and at around 8pm in the evening, I was called by those close to him that my son had been shot. I slept here (KNH) and in the morning, I saw him at the ICU. At least now I have hope.”
Boniface is currently fighting for his life at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after sustaining life-threatening injuries during the incident. His family is calling for urgent action to ensure the police officer responsible is held accountable.
“I would urge police officers to be responsible because they also have children. The one they shot is also somebody’s son. Tough action should be taken against that police officer,” added Mr. Nyambura.
The victim, who is the firstborn in a family of five, has four younger sisters, his father confirmed.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who was present during the briefing, condemned what he termed as rampant police brutality, stating that the government must take decisive steps to end excessive use of force on unarmed civilians.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of the officer involved in the shooting. The move comes amid growing pressure from human rights groups, civil society, and the public to rein in rogue officers and restore public trust in law enforcement.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has sparked national outrage, further intensifying calls for police reforms and justice for victims of brutality.
