SHOT MASK VENDOR CONFIRMED BRAIN DEAD

The family of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor who was shot by police during demonstrations in Nairobi on June 17, has confirmed that he is brain dead.

“We received a call at around midnight from the hospital itself; they needed to have a brief with us… The reality of the things that are happening is that Boniface Kariuki is confirmed brain dead,” Emily Wanjiru, the family's spokesperson conveyed the sorrowful news.

Boniface’s father, John Kariuki, recounted the painful moment he was summoned by medics.

“I was called by the doctors at around midnight and told to come talk with the medics. We have been told that he is brain dead. We have not been told whether he is gone, but just that he is brain dead, but the heart is still beating,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

The family is now burdened with a hospital bill exceeding Ksh 3 million and is appealing to Kenyans for assistance.

“We are calling upon Kenyans to help us in this time—the whole process, justice, and the bills,” John said, expressing concern over the accumulating costs, which have yet to be finalized by the hospital.

“The hospital bill now is quite high; we are at over 3 million… We know what it means when someone is brain dead—the brainstem of our child is no longer working,” she said through tears. “A lot of hopes and promises were made, but none has come through," Emily added.

A paybill number—7682551—has been rolled out to support the grieving family. Contributors are asked to use their name as the account name and ensure the fund reflects Boniface Mwangi Kariuki Medical Fund.

The family is pleading for two things: justice for their son and support with the overwhelming medical expenses.

“All we are asking is justice for our child,” Emily emphasized, voicing the deep anguish the family has endured.

Boniface’s was shot during the 17, June ' Justice for Ojwang ' protest. This has since led to an uproar from Kenyans demanding justice for the innocent mask vendor.hooting has sparked national outrage.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have both committed to investigations, but the public and the family remain skeptical, urging that justice must move beyond promises.

Boniface Kariuki’s case has become a powerful symbol of the human toll of police violence. A young man simply trying to earn a living now lies brain dead because of a bullet fired in a moment of excessive force.
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