Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor shot by police during Tuesday’s protests
in Nairobi’s Central Business District, remains in critical condition, Kenyatta
National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, KNH Chief
Executive Officer William Sigilai said Kariuki was referred to the hospital
from a clinic within the CBD after sustaining a severe head injury from a
gunshot.
“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency
Centre, he was noted to be critically ill with a wound on the left side of his
head, resulting in bleeding and evidence of severe injury,” said Sigilai.
He said the hospital’s emergency team, led by
Dr. Janet Sugut, stabilised the patient and placed him on life support.
He added that A CT scan of the brain
confirmed that a bullet had struck the left side of his head.
“The patient was then prepared for emergency
surgery. At around 8:50 p.m., a multidisciplinary team led by neurosurgeon Dr.
Sam Njiru conducted a complex operation that lasted about two hours,” Sigilai
said.
“During the procedure, an object believed to
be a bullet was removed. The patient was later transferred to the Intensive
Care Unit, where he is being cared for.”
KNH said that while Kariuki’s condition remains critical, he is alive and
under constant monitoring by a dedicated medical team.
Kariuki was shot while selling masks during anti-police brutality protests in the city centre.
According to Sigilai, a total of 16 patients were received at Kenyatta National Hospital as a result of the protest-related unrest.
“The injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma. Of these, 7 patients were admitted for further management, 9 were treated and discharged, two have undergone surgery, and 4 more are scheduled for surgical procedures today,” he said.
“One other patient remains unidentified, having sustained a skull fracture reportedly from an assault.”
