The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Jonah Kariuki, the father of 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki—who was shot by police during protests in Nairobi—has been swindled out of Sh200,000 by con artists pretending to be officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
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The fraudsters approached him claiming they could help settle his son’s hospital bills and register the family for SHA services. During the transaction, Jonah intended to send Sh20,500 but the person he entrusted with the task mistakenly sent Sh200,500.
“A man told me he was from SHA and said he could help lower the hospital bill if I sent Sh20,500. But the person I asked to make the payment accidentally sent Sh200,500,” Jonah explained at a press briefing at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where his son remains hospitalized.
Meanwhile, online influencers had launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the hospital expenses.
Jonah said he had not yet managed to follow up with the mobile service provider to recover the money.
“I tried to go to Safaricom but couldn’t get in because I needed to be at KNH. However, I’ve filed an OB and will go back for a statement,” he added.
A lawyer representing the family said the medical bill has reached approximately one million shillings. When asked about Boniface’s condition, he said, “We haven’t received any updates. We’ve visited him, but there’s been no change—he remains unresponsive.”
Boniface was shot in the head at close range by police during demonstrations on Tuesday, June 17, while allegedly selling face masks near Imenti House on Moi Avenue. The protests were sparked by public outrage over the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
After being shot, Boniface received first aid at a nearby clinic before being transferred to KNH, where he underwent emergency surgery and is now in the ICU.
Following the incident, police officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono were arrested and presented in court. They will remain in custody until July 3 as investigations proceed.
The shooting has intensified public anger, with protesters calling for justice in both Boniface’s and Ojwang’s cases. Human rights groups and legal organizations have demanded a transparent probe and accountability for those involved.
