NAIROBI, Kenya June 18 — Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed that it received 16 patients injured during Tuesday’s #JusticeForOjwang protests in Nairobi, including a 22-year-old face mask vendor who was shot in the head and remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The protests were sparked by the death of Blogger Albert Ojwang who was arrested in Homa Bay over alleged defamatory posts against Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, and transported to Central Police Station in Nairobi where he was murdered in police custody. Lagat was forced to step aside to pave way for investigations but most Kenyans say he should resign to face charges.
In a statement issued Wednesday, KNH said the trader shot during Tuesday protests, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was rushed in at 3:16 p.m. with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head. Emergency doctors stabilised him and placed him on life support before undertaking a complex, two-hour brain surgery to remove the bullet. He remains on mechanical ventilation under round-the-clock observation.
“While his condition is still critical, he is alive and under close, round-the-clock observation,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai.
The hospital further confirmed that the 16 patients sustained injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma. Seven were admitted for further treatment, two have already undergone surgery, four are scheduled for operations, and nine were treated and discharged. One patient, who sustained a skull fracture reportedly from an assault, remains unidentified.
Boniface’s father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, dismissed earlier reports that his son had died. “He is still not in good condition. I am deeply saddened by his condition, but I am hopeful that he will recover,” he told reporters at KNH on Wednesday. He said Boniface had left their home in Makadara that morning to hawk masks in the Central Business District when the incident occurred.
Police Headquarters has since confirmed the arrest of the officer captured on video shooting at protesters. However, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticised the lack of transparency, and demanded disclosure on the officer’s details.
“From the statement by the National Police Service, there is no evidence that the officer has been indicted for his heinous crime. The officer has not been named, identified, or the service disclosed to the public,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
She added that the officer involved must be treated “as the face of impunity and criminality within the police service.”
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said the police conduct was “unacceptable”
“The conduct by the police, who are required to discharge their duties professionally and provide security for all persons in Kenya without favour or bias,” said Dr. Raymond Nyeris, the Commission’s Vice Chairperson.
KNCHR also reported widespread looting and attacks carried out by masked men on motorcycles—allegedly hired goons—who roamed Nairobi’s streets assaulting and robbing civilians. Protesters and bystanders were beaten with tyre whips, wooden bars, and other crude weapons. Many businesses were forced to close due to fear of violence and destruction.
The Commission further decried the arrest of peaceful protestors, including four human rights defenders in Mombasa, despite organisers having followed the law in notifying authorities. It demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
Echoing the public outcry, the Judiciary of Kenya issued a statement expressing deep concern over “rising incidents of unjustified police brutality” and the increasing infiltration of peaceful protests by violent groups.
The Judiciary through its Spokesperson, Paul Ndemo said it was increasingly concerned by the actions of the police and demanded accountability.
“The National Police Service bears a constitutional and legal duty to identify, apprehend, and prosecute such individuals, as well as those who sponsor or orchestrate these acts of violence,” Ndemo said in a statement.
And as the country grapples with the aftermath of Tuesday’s chaos, pressure is mounting from civil society, elected leaders, and religious groups for justice and accountability.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joined in condemning the shooting of Boniface Kariuki and the destruction witnessed during the protests. “The tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic society. I call on all the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, independent investigation and ensure the responsible officer is held fully accountable,” he said.
While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Sakaja also warned against criminal elements hijacking demonstrations: “I strongly condemn the destruction of property and the injuring of people following the recent demonstrations in Nairobi City.”
