Father of hawker shot during protests speaks

Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, the father of Boniface Kariuki who was shot at close range by police officer in Nairobi [Pkemoi Ng’enoh]

Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old civilian who was shot during protests in Nairobi's CBD, is alive and under observation, his father Jonah Kariuki has confirmed.

Speaking to the press, Jonah said his son's surgery was successful and that while Boniface has a heartbeat, he is currently being supported by machines.

“I saw him, and he looked okay, although I can’t say he’s completely fine because of the machine. But I have faith he will recover,” he said.

Jonah Kariuki, father of Boniface Kariuki who was shot at close range by a police officer during Tuesday's demonstrations in Nairobi, gives an update from Kenyatta National Hospital.

Video by Pkemoi Ng'enoh. pic.twitter.com/X0w9fHmXNs — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 18, 2025

According to the father, Boniface is a hardworking young man who works as a hawker in the city.

On the day of the protests, he opted to sell face masks to meet the growing demand caused by the teargas-filled demonstrations.

Like most Kenyans, he initially saw the video of his son being shot online but was skeptical. 

His fears were, however, confirmed when Boniface’s friends called to inform him that his son had indeed been shot, urging him to rush to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital, he says he was not allowed to see his son immediately, but after some time, the medical team allowed him in.

Boniface was shot on Tuesday, June 17, in the head by a police officer during protests condemning the killing of Albert Ojwang.

A widely shared video showed two officers confronting him and briefly assaulting him, before one of them opened fire.

He collapsed instantly, still holding a bundle of masks, as the officers walked away with their faces concealed by helmets.

He was later rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and was booked for an emergency neurosurgical procedure.