Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for justice for Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi hawker who was shot in the head by police during anti-government protests on Tuesday, June 17.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Gachagua wore a face mask—echoing the very product Kariuki was selling at the time of the shooting—while delivering his message of support.
“Riggy G in solidarity with Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot by police while selling face masks,” he posted on his official X account.
“Quick recovery, Boniface Kariuki.”
Kariuki’s case has drawn national attention and widespread outrage on social media. According to witnesses, the 24-year-old was accosted by two police officers while distributing face masks to demonstrators during protests demanding justice for slain blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. One of the officers allegedly shot him at close range.
The hawker remains in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital ICU after undergoing multiple surgeries to remove bullet fragments from his head.
Authorities confirmed that the two officers implicated in the shooting have been identified, arrested, and arraigned in court. Investigations are ongoing.
