Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the 29-year-old street vendor who was shot by a police officer during recent protests in Nairobi, remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Kenyatta National Hospital. Doctors say he is fully dependent on life support machines, with minimal signs of recovery despite undergoing multiple surgeries.
Six days after the shooting, Kariuki’s family is battling heartbreak and holding on to fragile hope as they continue bedside vigils in Nairobi, far from their home in Murang’a.
“Boniface is still under life support. To be sincere, he can’t survive without it,” said Emily Wanjira, a family spokesperson. “Doctors told us we still have to cling to hope — that’s what we’re doing.”
According to Emily, Boniface is unable to speak, see, or hear, and remains unresponsive. Surgeons have operated twice to remove bullet fragments lodged in his head, but the possibility of a third operation has been deferred until his condition improves.
“Boniface cannot talk or hear, he cannot see us. Everything is being done by the machine,” she added, fighting back tears.
His father, John Kariuki, visits the hospital daily, despite the financial toll it has taken on the family.
“I’m told there’s some change, but I haven’t seen it myself,” he said. “Coming here daily is draining. I have other children who need food, but I come and sit here the whole day, waiting and praying.”
Police Response and Promises of Justice
In a rare move, Central Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi visited the family home in Murang’a, delivering a message of regret and solidarity on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
“We are heartbroken by what happened,” the statement read. “We wish Boniface a quick recovery. As a family, may you find strength during this difficult time and accept our heartfelt sympathy. You are not alone.”
Ndanyi pledged that justice will be served, and the officer involved will be held accountable. However, the National Police Service has not publicly named the officer or confirmed whether any disciplinary or criminal action has been initiated.
Boniface was reportedly unarmed when he was shot during protests in Nairobi. His case has since sparked outrage among human rights activists, who have demanded full transparency and prosecution of police officers involved in brutality.
A Nation Watches, A Family Prays
As Boniface lies silent in ICU, his family’s pain reflects the growing concern over police use of force during peaceful demonstrations in Kenya. Rights groups continue to call for accountability, even as many victims remain faceless and voiceless.
For now, prayers, machines, and hope are all that stand between Boniface and the growing list of Kenyans killed or maimed in the hands of police — many with no justice to show for it.
