Police shot 22-year-old mask seller Boniface Mwangi Kariuki at point-blank range during protests in Nairobi’s CBD, and doctors have since declared him brain dead. On Sunday, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital informed his family that his brain had completely ceased functioning, although machines continue to support his organs.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira stated, “The reality is that doctors have confirmed Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is brain dead.” She clarified, “For someone to be officially declared dead, the heartbeat must stop. His heart is still beating. We have left it to the doctors to confirm when he is officially gone.”
Kariuki sustained the injury on June 17 while fleeing clashes between police and Gen Z demonstrators. Protesters had marched to demand justice for the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Videos captured two officers attacking Kariuki before one shot him at close range in the head as he walked away.
After three major surgeries, including one on Friday, doctors stabilized his breathing and feeding systems. However, they couldn’t extract all bullet fragments from his brain. Surgeons said they removed two fragments initially, but one remains. Because removal would pose a risk to Kariuki’s life unless the area became infected, they postponed the procedure under strict medical guidance.
Doctors at Kenyatta Hospital believe a 12-gauge shotgun, a weapon that releases multiple fragments, likely caused Kariuki’s injuries. Hospital CEO Dr. William Sigilai earlier said the object resembled a rubber bullet, though further tests were underway to confirm the weapon type.
The family now faces mounting medical bills. Wanjira shared that care costs KSh 180,000 daily, and the total bill has reached KSh 3.3 million. “We are relying on well-wishers. Many of the promises we received have not materialised,” she added. Kariuki’s father, Jonah, appealed to the public: “We are asking for help from Kenyans to assist us in clearing the bill.”
Human rights groups such as the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International, and Katiba Institute have condemned the shooting. They warn that the incident highlights a growing pattern of police brutality across the country. The AP reported that police shot Kariuki along with at least 10 other people during the protests in Nairobi and Mombasa, which also left dozens injured.
