A young Kenyan street vendor, 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, has died after spending nearly two weeks on life support.
His family confirmed the news a day after doctors declared him brain dead.
“Boniface is no more. We have just viewed his body,” family spokesperson Emily Wanjira told the BBC on Monday. A formal statement from the family is expected later today.
Kariuki was shot in the head at close range on 17 June while selling face masks on the streets of Nairobi. The incident happened during a police crackdown on demonstrators protesting the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody at age 31.
After the shooting, Kariuki was rushed to Nairobi’s main public hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries. Doctors were unable to remove all the bullet fragments lodged in his brain, and he never regained consciousness. Though his heart kept beating, doctors later informed the family that he had no brain activity.
News of his condition sparked widespread outrage, fuelling demands for justice and accountability over police violence. Many also urged the government to step in and pay his hospital bills after the family launched public appeals for donations.
So far, two police officers have appeared in court in connection to the shooting. They haven’t been required to enter pleas and remain in custody as investigations continue.
Kenya’s police force remains under fire for recent violent crackdowns. Just last week, at least 19 people were reportedly killed during anti-government protests across the country, according to the state-funded human rights commission.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the police, controversially labelling the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent” and calling on officers to “shoot on sight” anyone attacking police stations — remarks that have drawn sharp criticism from lawyers and human rights organisations.
The recent wave of unrest was triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang. An autopsy showed he died from injuries sustained in police custody. Six people, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder.
The fallout from Ojwang’s death led to Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat stepping aside, though many Kenyans are calling for his full resignation. Lagat, who Ojwang had previously criticised on social media, denies any involvement.
In a separate development, Kenya’s High Court on Monday ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to produce missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia within 24 hours or appear in court to explain his disappearance. Kinyagia was allegedly detained by security agents last week and hasn’t been seen since.
As Boniface Kariuki’s family mourns his death, they are once again calling for a full investigation and for those responsible to face justice. His death has become another heartbreaking symbol in Kenya’s ongoing struggle against police brutality.
