Murang’a: The mother of the surgical mask vendor who was shot by a police officer has broken her silence following the ordeal.

Susan Njeri was heartbroken after learning that her son, Boniface Kariuki, had been shot at point-blank range by a police officer.

He was shot in the head on Tuesday, June 17, during Albert Omondi Ojwang's protest in Nairobi county.

Njeri could not hold back her emotions as she opened up about her son, who was shot while selling facemasks to protesters.

"My child called me in the morning and told me Boniface was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I asked what had happened, and they told me he encountered a police officer while working, and the officer shot him. I am asking for help—please help me. I have no other son; it’s just him," she cried.

The distressed mother also shared that Boniface was her breadwinner and always stepped in when she needed support.

She added that Boniface also supported his father, Jonah, who confirmed their son was alive but in critical condition.

"I have other children, but they are still in school. Boniface is my only son. I don’t have another. That officer should be arrested or dismissed from duty—he will end up killing many of our children," she said tearfully.

Surrounded by a few people, Njeri expressed her pain and devastation after her son was ruthlessly shot.

Netizens sympathized with her unimaginable grief, flooding the comment section with heartfelt messages:

Dan Wa Thika:

"Siezi comment kitu because I might be found in City Mortuary, and my family would be told I swallowed a lorry with the driver at midnight."

Min Grant Sam:

"As a mother raising boys, I keep telling them the world is cruel to the boy child. I’ve warned them against peer pressure and shown them real-life incidents. May God comfort this mother."

Nyasimi Bw’Osebe:

"These deaths are happening in counties like Homa Bay and Murang’a, where Ruto is slowly gaining support. This could greatly affect his political standing."

G.K.K:

"This is what our mothers are going through, yet some politicians keep sending them to the streets to clash with the police. May God take control. Pole sana, Mama."

Joyce Ilako:

"Ara Acad is where he earned his daily bread. Where else should he go? He took a chance and hoped to be safe. Such a sad situation. May he recover."

Josh Njoroge:

"The real question is: how does she expect justice to be delivered to her son and family? We all know she received tragic news, but will there be real accountability?"

In another story, a woman who witnessed the shooting incident involving her fellow hawker was inconsolable.

She sat in shock as a man and woman—also hawkers—tried to comfort her after witnessing the heartbreaking event.

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she recalled the terrifying moment, speaking in defense of Boniface.

Source: TUKO.co.ke