KNH gives update on Boniface Kariuki, the young mask vendor who was shot at close range by a police officer during yesterday’s protests in Nairobi’s CBD. The hospital has confirmed he remains in a critical condition after undergoing emergency neurosurgery.
Shooting and Hospitalization
- Who was shot: 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor, holding face masks when he was struck by a bullet from a masked police officer during protest clashes.
- Immediate care: Police promptly arrested two officers suspected to be involved. Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where CT scans revealed a bullet lodged in his head.
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KNH’s Medical Update
- Surgical intervention: KNH Acting CEO Dr William Sigilai confirmed Kariuki arrived in critical condition with severe brain injury and excessive bleeding. A surgical team led by Dr Sam Njiru successfully removed the bullet during a complex two-hour operation.
- Current status: He remains in the ICU on mechanical ventilation, under round-the-clock observation. KNH confirms his heartbeat is steady but emphasizes his condition is still serious.
- Other casualties: Hospitals also received 16 additional protest-related injuries—ranging from gunshot wounds to blunt force trauma—with 7 patients admitted and others treated and discharged.
Demands for Accountability
- Calls for justice: His father, Jonah Kariuki, and rights activists are demanding that officers responsible be prosecuted. Two officers—identified as Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono—are in custody and face ongoing investigations.
- Wider context: The shooting sparked renewed concerns about police brutality, following protests triggered by the alleged beating death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Rights groups and the Law Society of Kenya have urged reforms.
Nairobi Relevance & Geo Context
- Local impact: The incident occurred in central Nairobi, drawing renewed public focus to law enforcement tactics in Kenya’s capital.
- National oversight: KNH’s responsiveness spotlighted the hospital’s critical role during civil unrest.
- Regional echoes: Nairobi’s experience mirrors similar tensions in Mombasa and other urban centers across Kenya, where protests over policing practices have surged in recent weeks.
What Happens Next?
- Medical prognosis: KNH promises to release further updates on Kariuki’s health as situation evolves.
- Legal processes: The national police service will determine whether the arrested officers face charges.
- Policy implications: Watch for possible updates from both the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the judiciary on police conduct reform.
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KNH gives update on Boniface Kariuki as he fights for his life following a critical head injury from a police shooting during protests. His case has reignited calls for accountable policing and demonstrated KNH’s vital role in emergency response. As Kenya waits for further medical and legal outcomes, Kariuki’s condition remains a litmus test for justice and public trust.
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