The family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker critically injured by a police bullet during last week’s anti-government protests, delivered a heart-wrenching assessment on Monday: he cannot survive without life support. Their grim update comes as Kariuki battles for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), following a second high-risk surgery.
Kariuki was shot at close range by an anti-riot police officer along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during the protests on June 17th. The bullet struck him in the head, causing catastrophic injuries.
Critical Condition, Reliant on Machines
Speaking to journalists at KNH after a briefing with doctors, family spokesperson Emily Wanjira painted a dire picture of Kariuki’s condition. “To be sincere, he can’t survive without life support,” Wanjira stated, her voice heavy with emotion. “He cannot talk, he cannot see us.” She confirmed he remains heavily dependent on machines to breathe and is under 24-hour observation in the ICU.
Second High-Risk Surgery, Fragments Remain
In a desperate bid to save his life and aid recovery, doctors recently performed a second complex surgery lasting four hours. The procedure aimed to remove bullet fragments embedded deep within Kariuki’s skull. While the surgery was completed, the family revealed that not all metal shards could be safely extracted. These remaining fragments pose a significant ongoing risk to his fragile recovery.
Mounting Financial Crisis
Compounding the family’s anguish is a rapidly escalating hospital bill. Initially facing charges of Sh1 million, the cost of Kariuki’s intensive and prolonged care has now soared to Sh2.3 million. This staggering sum is an overwhelming burden for the family, exacerbated by the fact that Kariuki, a street vendor, was their sole breadwinner. “We are appealing to well-wishers to help us settle the bill,” Wanjira pleaded.
Public Outcry and Police Response
Kariuki’s shooting has ignited widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny of police tactics during demonstrations. Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned security forces for alleged excessive and lethal use of force against protestors.
Amidst the criticism, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, speaking through Central Region Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, visited the family on Monday. Ndanyi conveyed Kanja’s assurances that justice would be served, confirming that two officers implicated in the shooting have already been charged in court and are in custody.
“We are working closely with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served openly, fairly, and without compromise,” stated Commander Ndanyi. He acknowledged the family’s pain, adding, “We are part of the communities we serve, and when one of us is hurt, all of us are affected.”
Calls for Reform Persist
Despite the police assurances, the Kariuki family’s immediate reality is one of profound medical uncertainty and crippling financial strain. Civil society groups continue to amplify demands for concrete police accountability and urgent reforms within the National Police Service and the Interior Ministry. Activists argue that systemic change is necessary to prevent further alleged abuses and rebuild shattered public trust, as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki fights his precarious battle on life support.
