Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, the father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot by police during anti-government protests in Nairobi, has spoken publicly for the first time, expressing heartbreak and hope for his son’s recovery.
In a video shared by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, a visibly emotional Jonah recalled the financial hardships he endured raising Boniface.
“Nimemlea kwa shida sana lakini sasa niko na huzuni kulingana na mahali ako, lakini si mbaya sana. Tunaomba atakuwa poa,” he said, holding back tears.
Jonah confirmed that his son was selling face masks near the Commercial area in Nairobi’s Central Business District when he was shot.
“Anatoka Makadara, lakini anauzia huko Commercial,” he added.
Senator Omtatah, who accompanied the father to Kenyatta National Hospital, provided an update on Boniface’s condition.
“Nilipigia daktari hapa Kenyatta ambaye tuna uhusiano na nikamwomba aende ahakikishe. Alipoenda kwenye ICU, alinipigia simu na kuniambia kuwa kijana ako hai na ninaweza kumwona,” said Omtatah.
However, he was denied access to Boniface, who remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Omtatah also noted that other injured protesters were being treated at the hospital, underscoring the wider scale of injuries from the ongoing demonstrations.
The shooting occurred on June 17, 2025, during protests sparked by public outrage over the death of influencer Albert Ojwang’ in police custody. Boniface’s shooting was captured in a now-viral video showing two uniformed officers confronting him, one of whom fires at him from close range. Boniface collapses instantly, still clutching the face masks he was selling, while the officers walk away unbothered.
In response to the public outcry, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the officer involved has been arrested.
“Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested.”
This incident, along with the death of Albert Ojwang’, has intensified scrutiny of the National Police Service (NPS) and renewed calls for police accountability and reform. There is growing concern over the use of excessive force and reports of plainclothes agents disrupting peaceful demonstrations.
Boniface’s family and Kenyans online have demanded justice and transparency, with many highlighting the continued targeting of young street vendors and activists during peaceful protests.
