: Comedia Eric Omondi has added his voice to the growing calls for justice after a hawker identified as Boniface Kariuki was shot in the head by a police officer during recent protests in Nairobi.

The disturbing incident occurred on June 17, when Kenyans took to the streets demanding justice for X influencer Albert Ojwang, who died mysteriously while in police custody.

What began as a peaceful demonstration soon spiralled into chaos after alleged goons allegedly infiltrated the crowds.

A harrowing moment captured on video shows two anti-riot officers assaulting and shooting a man believed to be a hawker selling face masks to the protesters.

Outraged by the shooting, Eric took to Instagram, calling for a nationwide silent protest to honour the victim and demand accountability from the authorities.

He proposed that this Friday, June 20, be dubbed 'Mask Friday,' urging Kenyans across the country to wear masks as a powerful, unified act of protest.

“Yesterday, a comrade was shot at point blank in broad daylight by a police officer. A brother, a son, a citizen. He was selling masks, he was a hawker, and he was not armed. He was just hustling,” Eric posted.

The activist encouraged Kenyans all across the country to wear a mask in solidarity, regardless of their location or occupation.

He emphasised the symbolism of unity and peaceful resistance, stating that the number of Kenyans far outweighs the police force.

“There are 56 million Kenyans, and there are less than 30,000 policemen. Lazima ifike mahali tuseme enough is enough,” he wrote.

Eric called upon citizens to tag him in their masked selfies, promising to repost them as part of the movement.

He also issued a stern warning to the police:

“To the Kenya Police, that hawker will be the last that you brutally murder in broad daylight.”

To underscore his message, Eric shared a video showing market women, boda boda riders, and other ordinary citizens donning face masks, all silently protesting police brutality.

Watch the video below:

Here are some reactions from social media users:

Damaris Wa Dama Spares Original:

"Hata niko na mask already."

Lucia Njeri:

"To be precise. We must wear a black mask."

Njau wa Qatar official:

"Even in gulf we will vaa mask on Friday."

Hellen Nick:

"The pain in Erick's voice."

Nyaruiru Wa Bob:

"We're going to wear. It's so traumatizing to be in Kenya."

Joss Murii:

"Just call it black mask Friday."

Maggie Wambui:

"Even people outside country tutavaa mask'black mask Friday."

In another related story, Mugithi singer and police officer Samidoh also weighed in on the shooting of Boniface.

He shared a masked photo of himself accompanied by a powerful quote on justice and liberation.

Though short, the message resonated with many Kenyans, who saw it as a quiet act of solidarity with victims of police brutality.

Source: TUKO.co.ke