Octopizzo Joins Growing Calls for Justice After Police Shooting of Boniface Kariuki
Henry Ohanga, widely known as Octopizzo, has added his voice to the chorus of national outrage following the police shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old street vendor injured during last week’s protests in Nairobi.
The demonstrations, part of the surging #JusticeForOjwang movement, were sparked by public fury over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. As thousands of mostly young Kenyans took to the streets demanding justice and reform, the state’s response turned violent—leaving Kariuki critically injured.
According to witnesses, Kariuki had been selling face masks near Moi Avenue when he was caught in the chaos. He was initially rushed to a private clinic and later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where his condition remains unclear.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on June 26, Octopizzo posted:
“What is the status of Boniface Kariuki? We cannot stay silent. We must demand answers now. Justice must be served—not just for his family, but for every young Kenyan who dares to speak truth to power.”
A Voice for the Youth
Octopizzo’s statement is in line with his long-standing activism. Earlier this year, on May 30, he released “June 25”, a hard-hitting protest anthem chronicling the youth-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 and the state violence that followed. His music has become a rallying cry for a generation disillusioned by systemic failures and government suppression.
But Octopizzo is far from alone.
A Celebrity-Led Resistance
A wave of Kenyan public figures has stepped up in solidarity with Gen Z protesters and everyday citizens. Influential voices like King Kaka, Bien, Wangechi, Elsa Majimbo, and dozens of content creators across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have either physically joined the demonstrations or used their platforms to condemn police brutality, state overreach, and the rising cost of living.
Their unified stance sends a powerful message: the creative community is no longer staying on the sidelines.
Mounting Pressure on the State
The latest update from KNH CEO William Sigilai confirmed that 16 protest-related casualties were received at the facility. Of those, seven were admitted, nine discharged, and two underwent surgery. Yet, no clear update has been provided on Kariuki’s status—further fueling public concern.
“The silence around Boniface Kariuki’s condition is disturbing. We demand clarity,” wrote one protester on X, echoing the sentiment of many.
As the streets of Nairobi remain charged with emotion and resistance, the fusion of art, activism, and youth energy is forging what many now see as a generational movement. What began as scattered cries for change has evolved into a cultural and political reckoning—one that Kenya’s leadership can no longer ignore.
