Protests in Kenya Turn Deadly: Family Demands Justice for Young Man Shot by Police
In a shocking turn of events, a 22-year-old Kenyan civilian, Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head by a police officer during protests in Nairobi. The demonstrations were sparked by the alleged killing of a blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Kariuki’s family is now demanding accountability for the violence and justice for their son, who remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery.
According to eyewitnesses, Kariuki was caught up in a confrontation with two officers while holding a packet of face masks. One of the officers, who had concealed his face with a mask, shot Kariuki at close range as he walked away. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with neighbors in Kariuki’s hometown of Murang’a County expressing nervousness about letting their children travel to Nairobi due to rising cases of police brutality.
Kariuki’s mother, Susan Njeri, spoke to The Associated Press, saying she had urged her son to be safe during the planned protests. "If they saw him with a stone or a baton, it would make sense to shoot him," she said. "But none of this makes sense. It was not a confrontation, he was just hustling." The family’s plea for justice is echoed by many in Kenya, where police brutality has become a recurring issue.
The protests in Nairobi were sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger who was arrested on June 6 for publishing "false information" about a top police official on social media. Police attributed his death to him "hitting his head against the cell wall," but activists have questioned the cause of death. The incident has highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in Kenya’s law enforcement.
In response to the incident, police have arrested two officers, Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, who are being processed by detectives for "further action." The judiciary has also committed to upholding justice in all cases, including those involving alleged police brutality. President William Ruto has previously vowed to end police brutality and extrajudicial killings, a promise that Kariuki’s grandmother, Keziah Njeri, is urging him to uphold. "We are praying to this government to have mercy on our children," she said. "It is not only Boniface, but we are also mourning all the children killed."
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the international community is watching closely. The country has a history of police brutality, with several activists and protesters abducted and killed by Kenyan police during protests against tax hikes last year. The demonstrations led to calls for President Ruto’s removal, and the current incident is likely to reignite tensions. As the family of Boniface Kariuki waits for justice, the world waits with them, hoping for a more just and peaceful future for Kenya.
