Father of Hawker Shot in Nairobi Issues Update After KNH Visit

The father of Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot in the head by a police officer during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, has issued an emotional statement after visiting his son at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he remains hospitalized.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 18, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura confirmed that his son is alive, also describing the hardship of raising his son and the emotional toll of the shooting. 

“The young man who was shot in Nairobi CBD is my son; I have brought him up with a lot of challenges, and what happened has really saddened me. He is not in a bad situation, and we are praying, hoping that he will be okay," he said.

Dispelling the circulating reports of Boniface’s death, his colleague Edwin Kagia confirmed that the young man is alive and being treated by doctors at KNH.

"We have visited him in his ward and we can confirm that he is alive; this is to dismiss the notion on social media that he passed away. Boniface is alive, and we are praying that his condition improves," he stated. 

The incident, which occurred in the Nairobi CBD amid protests following the death of university student Albert Ojwang, drew sharp criticism from the public and political leaders.

For instance, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned the logic behind the police’s actions, describing the incident as another example of state brutality. 

“What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at close range? What police training is this? This is as if the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody isn't enough," he said.

In the wake of the incident, a police officer involved in the shooting has since been arrested. 

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer involved.  

“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun, within the Nairobi Central Business District on 17th June 2025.

“Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” the NPS said.