The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Jonah Kariuki, the father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki—the young hawker who was shot by a police officer during protests in Nairobi on June 17—says his son is in stable condition but remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
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Boniface, who was unarmed, was shot at close range near Imenti House by a uniformed officer while demonstrators were calling for justice for the late Albert Ojwang’, another alleged victim of police brutality.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday, June 18, Jonah said his son, a 22-year-old mask seller, is hanging on despite the severity of his injuries.
“I’ve seen my son. His condition is serious but not hopeless. I ask Kenyans to pray for him,” he said.
Jonah, also a hawker, expressed heartbreak over the incident, describing Boniface as the pride of his family.
“I have struggled to raise him. I am devastated. All I want now is justice. Police must stop targeting innocent people.”
He was accompanied by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who also visited the hospital but was unable to see Boniface as he was in the ICU.
“I was told I couldn’t see him because of his critical condition. We’re praying for him and others injured during the protests,” Omtatah stated.
Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that Boniface underwent surgery on Tuesday night, handled by a team of neurosurgeons.
“The patient is currently in the operating room, and we’ve already secured an ICU bed for post-operative care, given the seriousness of the injury,” Amoth said.
