A young street vendor was critically injured by a police bullet on June 17, 2025, during a protest in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Demonstrators had gathered peacefully to demand justice for teacher and activist Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. However, the protest descended into chaos after armed goons stormed the scene.
Witnesses said the vendor, identified as 23-year-old Boniface Kariuki from Homa Bay County, was selling face masks near Imenti House when two police officers approached him. One of the officers drew his weapon and shot Kariuki in the head at close range. He collapsed immediately. Bystanders rushed him to Bliss Medical Centre, and he was later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he remains under treatment.
Shortly before the shooting, groups of masked men arrived on motorcycles and attacked protesters with clubs, robbing several of their phones and bags. Businesses closed their doors and pedestrians fled in panic. Witnesses reported that nearby police officers did not intervene, sparking concern over possible coordination between the attackers and security forces.
Opposition leaders, including Wiper Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, accused the government of deploying hired goons to sabotage the protest. “Goons on motorbikes supported by the police attempted to disrupt peaceful demonstrations,” Kalonzo said, calling the incident a serious security failure.
The protest followed the controversial death of Ojwang while in police custody. An autopsy revealed blunt force injuries and neck compression, contradicting police claims that he had collapsed. Authorities have since identified 17 officers as suspects and made multiple arrests.
The National Police Service confirmed the arrest of the officer who shot Kariuki but has yet to release his identity. Human rights groups and legal advocates have condemned the shooting, calling it a grave abuse of power.
The incident has intensified demands for urgent police reform. Videos of the shooting circulated widely on social media, drawing outrage and mobilizing calls for justice. Although Kariuki is alive and receiving treatment, his case underscores the dangers ordinary citizens face when exercising their right to protest.
As investigations proceed, activists are increasing pressure on authorities to demonstrate transparency and respect for human rights. Protesters insist they will continue demanding accountability.
