Father of Injured Hawker Boniface Kariuki Speaks Out: “All I Ask Is for Kenyans to Pray for My Son”

Jonah Kariuki, father of 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki—the protester who was shot by a uniformed police officer during demonstrations in Nairobi on June 17—has confirmed that his son is in critical but stable condition.

Boniface was shot at close range near Imenti House while participating in protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, the man whose alleged death in police custody has ignited nationwide fury. The young hawker, reportedly unarmed, became one of the latest victims of what many are calling a disturbing trend of police brutality.

Speaking outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Wednesday, June 18, Jonah made a heartfelt appeal to the public:

“All I ask of Kenyans is to keep my son in their prayers. I’ve seen him. His condition is serious—but not hopeless.”

Visibly shaken, he described Boniface—who sells face masks in Nairobi’s CBD to support the family—as the pride of his household.

“I’ve struggled to raise Boniface. He’s my firstborn, and I’m heartbroken. What I want is justice. Police must stop shooting innocent Kenyans.”

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah also visited the hospital to show solidarity with the family.

“I came to see the hawker,” he told reporters. “But I’ve been informed he’s in the ICU and cannot receive visitors at the moment.”

He added,

“Boniface is alive, but he’s fighting for his life. We are praying for him—and for every Kenyan injured in yesterday’s protests.”

Later that evening, Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director General for Health, provided an official update:

“The patient is currently in theatre under the care of a neurosurgical team. An ICU bed has already been prepared, given the severity of the case and the need for immediate post-operative support.”

Eyewitness accounts have described the officer involved as “trigger-happy,” fuelling growing public outrage over what many believe is the disproportionate use of force during otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

As of the latest reports, two police officers have been identified in connection with the shooting, and investigations are ongoing. The public continues to call for swift accountability and systemic reform within the police service.