Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot in the head by police on June 17, 2025/SCREENGRABBoniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot in the head by police during protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, has been declared brain dead, his family announced on Sunday.
Kariuki was critically injured on June 17 during a demonstration in Nairobi that turned violent when police opened fire on protesters demanding justice for Ojwang, a popular online activist and teacher whose suspicious death sparked nationwide unrest.
Speaking to reporters outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), family spokesperson Emily Wanjira confirmed that doctors had delivered the devastating news.
"Kariuki is confirmed brain dead. We know what it means. We are just waiting for the doctor to tell us he is no more," Wanjira said tearfully.
“It’s a nightmare no family should have to endure.”
According to the family, Kariuki remains on life support, with his organs still functioning artificially.
However, doctors have informed them that there is no hope of recovery.
Medical staff also revealed that bullet fragments remain lodged in his brain, complicating any chance of surgical intervention.
Brain death is legally and medically recognised as death in Kenya.
It marks the irreversible end of all brain and brainstem activity.
While machines can keep a brain-dead person’s heart beating and lungs working temporarily, the condition is considered final.
Kariuki had undergone two surgeries since the shooting and had been fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at KNH.
His father, Jonah Kariuki, disclosed that the family’s hospital bill has now exceeded Sh1 million and continues to mount.
"This is not just about Boniface. It's about every Kenyan who dares to speak out. We need justice. We need accountability," said Jonah, urging the government and judiciary to hold the police officers involved in the shooting accountable.
Civil rights groups and opposition leaders have joined the family's call for justice, renewing demands for an independent investigation into police conduct during recent protests.
Two police officers linked to the shooting were interdicted and formally charged as investigations continue.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that the National Police Service (NPS) will ensure justice is served in Kariuki's and Ojwang's deaths.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) took over investigations in both cases.
