The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The family of 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki has confirmed that he has been declared brain dead after being shot in the head by police during protests demanding justice for the late blogger Albert Ojwang.
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Kariuki sustained critical injuries on June 17 when demonstrations in Nairobi turned chaotic, leading to police opening fire on protesters. The protests erupted following the suspicious death of Ojwang, a teacher and influential online activist, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
Speaking outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), family spokesperson Emily Wanjira shared the grim news.
“Doctors have declared Kariuki brain dead. We understand the implications. Right now, we’re only waiting for the inevitable confirmation of his passing,” Wanjira said, visibly emotional.
She described the ordeal as an unimaginable tragedy no family should ever face.
Kariuki remains on life support, with machines sustaining his vital organs, but medical experts have made it clear that recovery is impossible. Scans revealed bullet fragments are still lodged in his brain, making surgery impossible.
In Kenya, brain death is legally recognised as death, marking the complete and irreversible loss of all brain and brainstem function. Though machines can temporarily keep a person’s heart beating and lungs functioning, there is no chance of recovery.
Since the shooting, Kariuki has undergone two surgeries and has been fighting for his life in KNH’s Intensive Care Unit.
His father, Jonah Kariuki, revealed the family is struggling with overwhelming hospital expenses that have surpassed Sh1 million.
“This is bigger than Boniface. It’s about protecting the rights of every Kenyan who dares to speak up,” said Jonah, calling for justice and accountability for the police officers responsible.
Human rights organisations and opposition figures have echoed the family’s demand for an independent inquiry into police actions during recent protests.
So far, two police officers linked to Kariuki’s shooting have been interdicted and charged, with investigations ongoing.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has promised that justice will be served in both Kariuki’s and Ojwang’s cases.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently handling investigations into both incidents.
