Doctors declared a young street vendor brain dead Sunday after police shot him during protests last month. Boniface Kariuki suffered the head wound June 17 when officers fired at demonstrators in Nairobi. The 22-year-old hawker joined crowds demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang. Ojwang died under suspicious circumstances that sparked nationwide demonstrations. Medical staff at Kenyatta National Hospital told his family there was no chance of recovery.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira spoke to reporters outside the hospital. She confirmed doctors had delivered the devastating news about Kariuki. Machines keep his heart beating and lungs working artificially. Bullet pieces remain stuck inside his brain. Surgeons performed two operations but could not save him.
His father Jonah Kariuki said hospital bills have topped one million shillings. The family continues to face mounting medical costs. Jonah called for police officers to face consequences for the shooting. He demanded government officials hold law enforcement accountable. Civil rights groups have joined the family's push for justice.
Authorities charged two police officers connected to the shooting incident. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has taken control of both investigations. Inspector General Douglas Kanja promised the National Police Service would ensure justice prevails. Opposition leaders have renewed calls for independent probes into police conduct. The shooting occurred during protests over the suspicious death of online activist and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira spoke to reporters outside the hospital. She confirmed doctors had delivered the devastating news about Kariuki. Machines keep his heart beating and lungs working artificially. Bullet pieces remain stuck inside his brain. Surgeons performed two operations but could not save him.
His father Jonah Kariuki said hospital bills have topped one million shillings. The family continues to face mounting medical costs. Jonah called for police officers to face consequences for the shooting. He demanded government officials hold law enforcement accountable. Civil rights groups have joined the family's push for justice.
Authorities charged two police officers connected to the shooting incident. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has taken control of both investigations. Inspector General Douglas Kanja promised the National Police Service would ensure justice prevails. Opposition leaders have renewed calls for independent probes into police conduct. The shooting occurred during protests over the suspicious death of online activist and teacher Albert Ojwang.
