Boniface Kariuki: Hawker Shot by Police Still in Critical Condition, Family Says He Cannot See
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
- The family of Boniface Kariuki, the hawker shot during anti-Albert Ojwang's murder demonstrations, has shared an update regarding his health status.
Source: UGC
The 22‑year‑old mask vendor was shot in the head by a police officer at point-blank range on Tuesday, June 17.
Kariuki was rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for urgent medical attention, where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet lodged in his head.
He is now in critical condition at the KNH Intensive Care Unit (ICU), fully dependent on life support.
His family, devastated and anxious, said they are hanging onto hope but also demanding accountability from the authorities.
In the latest update, the doctors have informed the family that Kariuki cannot survive without the help of a life-support machine.
Emily Wanjira, a close relative, disclosed that Kariuki cannot talk or see, as everything is being controlled by the machines.
She revealed that the hawker is supposed to undergo a third surgery, but doctors are waiting for his condition to improve before undertaking another procedure.
"Boniface is still in critical condition. He is still on life support. To be sincere, he cannot survive without it. Everything is being done by the machine. So far, that is the response from the doctors, and we have been told to bank on hope.
"And we're hoping for the best. Boniface cannot talk, he cannot hear, and he cannot see us, so it means that everything under him is being monitored by the ventilation. Likely, there might be another surgery, but it cannot happen until he responds," Wanjira said.
The family says the hospital bill has risen to KSh 2.3 million, and they have urged the government to step in and help.
Source: UGC
Did police visit Boniface Kariuki's home?
Meanwhile, senior police officers on Monday, June 23, visited Kariuki's home in Kangema, Murang'a county.
Central Region Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, accompanied by other senior police officers, delivered a message from the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
The officers promised the family that justice ill be served to the family after their son was shot at close range by an armed officer.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
