Activists are calling for a complete economic shutdown on Wednesday to protest against police brutality. This comes as they mark a year since security forces opened fire on crowds protesting tax increases.
Last Tuesday, a man named Boniface Kariuki was selling face masks when he found himself in the middle of a clash between protesters and police in Nairobi. In a shocking incident, an officer, who had his face covered with a mask, shot him in the head while he was walking away from the confrontation.
Jonah Kariuki, Boniface’s father, watched the video of his son’s shooting and described it as heart-breaking. He expressed disbelief that anyone could harm someone who was simply working. "It made me fearful," he said. Jonah, who is also a hawker, emphasized that Boniface was the family’s main provider and called for justice against the police if they are found guilty.
Susan Njeri, Boniface’s mother, echoed her husband’s sentiments, noting that their son was not involved in any violence. "He was just doing his job," she said, adding that it hurt to see her son, who has never stolen anything, being treated this way.
Currently, Boniface is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is in critical condition. Family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru revealed that Boniface cannot talk, hear, or see and relies on life support to survive.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage. Demonstrators are demanding accountability for Boniface’s shooting and for the earlier death of another individual, Mr. Ojwang. Both foreign embassies and human rights organizations are urging the Kenyan government to ensure transparency in the investigations and to hold those responsible accountable.