The father of Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot in the head by police during protests in Nairobi, has spoken out in anguish after identifying his son from a viral video.

In a video on TikTok, the heartbroken father shared the painful moment he watched his 22-year-old son collapse to the ground in the brutal incident.

Jonah Kariuki Nyambura says he first saw the clip circulating on social media but couldn’t believe what he was watching.

It wasn’t until he replayed the footage and focused closely on the victim’s face, posture, and clothes that the heartbreaking truth struck him: the man bleeding on the pavement was his son.

“I watched the video and at first, I thought no, that can’t be him,” he said, his voice breaking. “But when I looked at it carefully, I saw it was Boniface. I was shattered.”

Boniface was caught in the melee during protests over the death of Homa Bay blogger Albert Ojwang at the hands of police.

He was standing outside Imenti House selling masks, something he did daily to support his family, when police officers approached him

One officer pushed him, while another fired at close range without provocation, after which the young man collapsed on the pavement and was later rushed to the hospital.

“My son was a hardworking Kenyan who sold masks for a living. He had never been in trouble with the law,” Jonah said. “All he wanted was to earn an honest living.”

After receiving word from a friend that his son had possibly been killed, Jonah left their rural home immediately and travelled overnight to Nairobi.

He arrived at the hospital around 10 pm, where he anxiously waited for updates. Though he wasn’t allowed to see Boniface that night, he stayed outside the Intensive Care Unit, clinging to hope.

“Just watching them wheel him into ICU for an operation was unbearable,” he said. “I was finally allowed to see him in the morning. He’s in a worrying condition, but I thank God he’s still alive.”

Doctors have since confirmed that Boniface underwent emergency surgery and remains under close observation.

His prognosis remains uncertain, and his family is pleading with the public and well-wishers for support, both emotionally and financially, as they navigate this unexpected tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the shooting, with the accused cop being arrested.

For now, Jonah spends his days sitting by the hospital ward, praying for a miracle and mourning the innocence lost in a city he says has become too dangerous.

Source: TUKO.co.ke