Kenyan Protester Shot By Police Sparks Outrage In Nairobi.
A protest against police brutality in Nairobi, Kenya, took a shocking turn on Tuesday when a police officer shot a demonstrator in the head at close range, an incident captured in harrowing photographs that have ignited widespread anger across the country. The victim, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor from Kangema, survived the attack but remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The demonstration, which saw hundreds flood the streets of Nairobi, was sparked by the death of a man in police custody, the latest in a series of incidents highlighting Kenya’s persistent issue of police violence. Protesters, including students and activists, were voicing their frustration over what they describe as systemic aggression by law enforcement. As two officers approached Mr. Kariuki during the protest on Moi Avenue, he turned to move away. Moments later, one officer fired, striking him in the head.
Photographs of the shooting, captured by an Associated Press photographer, have circulated widely, fuelling public fury. The images show Mr. Kariuki, unarmed and selling face masks, moments before and after the gunshot. His family, devastated by the incident, has called for justice. Jonah Kariuki, his father, described the pain of seeing his son fighting for his life, while Susan Njeri, his mother, urged the government to hold the responsible officers accountable. “My son was just trying to earn a living,” she said, speaking from her home in Kangema constituency.
Mr. Kariuki’s shooting has galvanised Kenya’s ongoing debate over police reform. Activists and political figures, including Faith Odhiambo and Hon. Peter Kihungi, have visited him in hospital, condemning the officer’s actions as “brutal” and “rogue.” Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment of frustration, with many describing Mr. Kariuki’s only “crime” as being “young, Kenyan, and unarmed.” The incident has drawn comparisons to other cases of police violence, with demands for systemic change growing louder.
Kenyan authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the shooting, and the officer involved has not been publicly identified. The lack of immediate action has led to accusations that the state has “abandoned” Mr. Kariuki and his family, who now face mounting medical bills and emotional trauma. Local media reports suggest the government is under pressure to investigate, with calls for transparency and accountability intensifying.
The shooting comes amid broader tensions in Kenya, where protests against police brutality have become increasingly common. The death in custody that sparked Tuesday’s demonstration remains under investigation, but details are scarce, further eroding public trust in law enforcement. Human rights groups have called for an independent inquiry into Mr. Kariuki’s shooting, warning that failure to act could lead to further unrest.
In the UK, human rights advocates have expressed solidarity with Kenyan protesters, urging the British government to support calls for justice. “This incident is a stark reminder of the need for accountability in policing, not just in Kenya but globally,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International UK.
As Mr. Kariuki fights for his life, his case has become a rallying cry for those demanding an end to police violence in Kenya. The nation now watches closely to see whether justice will be served or if this incident will join a long list of unresolved cases.
