Gachagua wore a face mask as a symbolic gesture while delivering his message.
The DP, who on Friday began a
grassroots activation tour of the Mount Kenya region ahead of a major
opposition charm offensive, said justice must prevail.
“Riggy G in solidarity with Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot by police while selling face masks,” Gachagua posted on his official X account.
“Quick recovery, Boniface
Kariuki.”
Kariuki, whose case has gone viral on social media, was accosted by two police officers on Tuesday, June 17, while selling face masks to protesters. One of the officers reportedly shot him in the head.
The shooting occurred during demonstrations demanding justice for slain blogger Albert Ojwang.
The two officers involved have since been identified, arrested, and arraigned in court.
Boniface is currently fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital, where neurosurgeons performed a complex surgery to save him.
His family, devastated by the incident, has appealed for justice and swift legal action. The 22-year-old hawker was shot along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during the protests.
Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, Boniface’s father, said his son had committed no crime and was simply trying to make a living by selling face masks.
Addressing the press on Wednesday morning, Nyambura said his son remained in critical condition at KNH after sustaining life-threatening head injuries. He expressed relief after seeing his son alive, despite initial reports claiming he had died.
“I saw him in the video on my phone, and at around 8 p.m., I was informed by those close to him that my son had been shot. I slept here [KNH], and in the morning, I saw him in the ICU. At least now I have hope,” he said.
He also urged police officers to exercise restraint and called for urgent action against the officer responsible for the shooting.
“I would urge police officers to be responsible because they also have children. The one they shot is also someone’s son. Tough action should be taken against that police officer,” he added.
