The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has called for urgent transparency regarding the identity of a mask vendor who was shot by a police officer at close range during protests in Nairobi. The 22-year-old hawker, identified as Boniface Kariuki (also referred to as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki), is currently in critical condition after undergoing surgery, a fact confirmed by the National Police Service and the Health Director-General. Odhiambo expressed concerns over conflicting reports about the victim's name, emphasizing the necessity of a full identification to prevent any potential cover-up, stating, “The man had a name yesterday… today the name is different. We need to verify that information to ascertain that it’s the same person who was shot, or whether it’s somebody else.”

Odhiambo further insisted that the officer who used lethal force against the unarmed protester should be held personally liable. She also argued that the superior who issued the orders should bear command responsibility and accountability. The LSK President indicated a willingness to exonerate the Inspector General of Police if he demonstrates firm action on the matter, suggesting such a move would restore public faith that the violence was not officially sanctioned. She highlighted that medical reports indicated multiple gunshot wounds, with the individual being shot at direct range, a scene captured on video by witnesses.

The protests, which demanded justice for Albert Ojwang, a blogger who died in police custody on June 7 after allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, escalated into mayhem. Although Lagat stepped aside pending investigations, demonstrators continued to push for his resignation. Nairobi’s city centre was rocked by chaos, with reports of goons on motorcycles, allegedly linked to politicians, descending on peaceful protesters and journalists. These armed individuals, wielding crude weapons like wooden clubs and whips, were seen mugging pedestrians and looting shops. Faith Odhiambo vehemently warned against the use of criminal gangs to stifle dissent, urging the government to pursue dialogue with Kenyans and ensure freedom of expression. She questioned the feasibility and morality of deploying vigilante groups against widespread public uprisings, calling it “ridiculous and unfortunate.”

Adding to the concerns, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah revealed he was barred from accessing Boniface Kariuki at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Omtatah, who had initially received unverified reports of Kariuki’s death, confirmed his survival through a trusted doctor at the hospital. Despite the assurance, he was denied entry to see the critically injured hawker. The senator expressed his relief that Kariuki was alive and urged Kenyans to continue praying for his recovery, acknowledging that seeing him personally was less important than his confirmed survival.

Both Odhiambo and Omtatah raised questions about accountability and oversight. Odhiambo criticized the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for its continued silence and absence during the protests, despite glaring police atrocities. Omtatah echoed concerns about the violence, linking injuries observed at hospitals to actions by both uniformed officers and suspected hired goons. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 22 casualties from Tuesday's protests across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, including gunshot wounds, head cuts, whip lashes, blunt trauma, and asthma attacks due to tear gas inhalation. The KNCHR condemned the police behavior as “unacceptable,” stressing that officers are required to discharge their duty professionally and provide security without bias.