Mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, being accosted by anti-riot police during protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025/ DOUGLAS OKIDDY.The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the interdiction of two officers linked to the shooting of Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi.
In a statement, NPS identified the officers as Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Police Constable Duncan Kiprono.
The service said both have been interdicted and are being processed by the Homicide Team at the DCI Headquarters as investigations continue.
Kariuki, a city hawker, was shot while selling face masks during demonstrations in the Nairobi city centre.
The protests were part of ongoing public action demanding justice over the death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody at Central Police Station.
NPS said Kariuki is currently recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after undergoing emergency surgery.
"The National Police Service deeply regrets this act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served," the statement read.
On Wednesday, KNH confirmed that Kariuki remains in critical condition but is under close observation.
Hospital CEO Dr. William Sigilai said Kariuki had been referred from a city clinic after sustaining a severe head injury from a gunshot.
“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Centre, he was critically ill with a wound on the left side of his head, resulting in bleeding and severe injury,” Sigilai said.
He added that a team led by Dr. Janet Sugut stabilised Kariuki and placed him on life support. A CT scan revealed a bullet lodged in the left side of his head.
At 8:50 p.m., a multidisciplinary team led by neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru performed an emergency operation lasting about two hours. During the procedure, an object believed to be a bullet was removed.
Kariuki was later moved to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remains under continuous medical care.
KNH stated that while his condition is still critical, he is alive and being closely monitored by a team of specialists.
