Nairobi mask vendor shot during protest succumbs to injuries

Nairobi, Kenya – June 30, 2025 — Boniface Kariuki, the Nairobi-based mask seller who was shot in the head during a recent protest demanding justice for the late Albert Ojwang, has died while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Kariuki passed away on Monday afternoon, nearly two weeks after he sustained a critical gunshot wound on Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi during the June 17 demonstration. The protest was part of a broader national outcry over alleged police abuse and followed the death in custody of influencer Albert Ojwang.

His family had earlier confirmed that Kariuki had been declared brain dead. On Sunday, family spokesperson Emily Wanjira disclosed that doctors had informed them his brainstem had ceased functioning, even though machines were keeping his heart beating.

“We were called in at 12:47 a.m. and told he was brain dead, but there was still a heartbeat. The hospital could not withdraw life support due to legal constraints,” said Wanjira.

Kariuki had undergone three critical surgeries in an effort to save his life. Surgeons removed an object believed to be a rubber bullet from his brain, although KNH CEO Dr. William Sigilai stated that forensic confirmation was still pending. Despite multiple interventions, doctors reported that bullet fragments remained lodged in his skull and that no neurological activity had resumed.

In a final surgical procedure on Friday, doctors repositioned his breathing apparatus and inserted a feeding tube directly into his abdomen, as he was unable to swallow.

His family’s emotional and financial burden has been immense. Hospital bills have reportedly surpassed KSh 3 million, prompting an appeal for public support. To make matters worse, they say they were defrauded of KSh 200,000 by an individual who falsely promised to help facilitate Kariuki’s medical logistics.

“My son’s heart is still beating, but he’s gone. We are left with a bill we can’t afford and no justice in sight,” said his father, Jonah Kariuki.

The incident, captured in a now-viral video, shows police officers confronting Kariuki before one of them appears to shoot him at close range, causing public outrage. His case has since been cited by Amnesty International as part of a growing list of victims in a crackdown on youth-led demonstrations calling for police reform and government accountability.

At least 16 people have been killed and over 400 injured during the recent Gen Z-led protests across Kenya, according to human rights organizations. Most of the casualties are reportedly the result of live bullets fired by police.

Kariuki’s death adds to a rising toll of lives lost in the struggle for justice and accountability, further fueling demands for an end to police brutality in Kenya.