Activist
and comedian Eric Omondi has called on Kenyans to show up for a solidarity walk with Boniface Kariuki, who was shot during the protest on Tuesday.
In
a statement on X, Omondi asked Kenyans to ensure that they wear masks this
coming Friday.
“I
am calling upon Kenyans all over the country, this Friday let’s all wear masks
in solidarity with our brother Boniface Kariuki,” Omondi said.
“Kariuki
was fending for himself, unarmed, yet police shot him at close range.”
Kenyans
on Tuesday held protests at the Nairobi CBD demanding justice for the death of
blogger Albert Ojwang.
Kariuki
was in the protest selling masks.
He
was dressed in a blue jacket, a brown cap, grey trousers, and brown shoes. He
was seen being confronted by two police officers.
One
officer was seen slapping him, while the other struck him with the butt of his
gun.
The
first officer then raised his firearm and shot him at close range.
The
two walked away from the scene as protesters around tried to confront them
about why they had shot him.
The
man was then seen on the floor with a shattered head and blood oozing as
Kenyans of goodwill tried to help.
Kariuki
was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.
A
fellow mask vendor was seen crying uncontrollably after Kariuki was shot.
“He
has never taken anything from anyone; he has never stolen. He was selling
masks. He has not killed, what will his family say when he is?” she said amidst
tears.
Leaders
have been vocal in condemning the act shown by the police, noting that their
role is to protect the people, not to harm them.
Burning
with rage and anger, Kenyans have expressed their disappointment in the police
service for failing to protect Kenyans.
