Jonah Kariuki, the father of Boniface Kariuki — who was shot at close range by a police officer during Tuesday’s demonstrations in Nairobi — has confirmed to the public that his son is alive and fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Boniface Kariuki was shot while vending face masks along Moi Avenue during the heated protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, who died while in police custody — an incident that has sparked public uproar and condemnation.
While speaking to the media, Boniface’s father urged Kenyans to pray for his son’s speedy recovery and called for justice to be served.
“All I can ask Kenyans is to pray for my son. I’ve seen him, and while his condition is not that bad, it’s not hopeless,” said Kariuki. He added, “What I want is justice for my son. Police officers should stop shooting innocent Kenyans.”
Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah, who accompanied Mr. Kariuki, also affirmed his solidarity with the family and all Kenyans injured during yesterday’s protests.
“I came to see the hawker, but I’ve been informed I cannot see him because he is in the Intensive Care Unit,” Omtatah said.
“Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is alive but fighting for his life in the ICU at KNH. We pray for a speedy recovery for Boniface and for all other Kenyans injured yesterday.”
This comes after the Deputy Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, on Tuesday night stated that Boniface Kariuki was undergoing surgery performed by a neurosurgical team.
“As we speak, the patient is in theatre with the neurosurgical team,” Dr. Amoth said.
“As a precaution, we have prepared an ICU bed, as a case of this nature requires immediate intensive care support in the post-surgery period.”
The Inspector General of Police issued an order for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the two police officers, Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, for assaulting and shooting Boniface Kariuki.
