KENYANS FINALLY IDENTIFY THE POLICE OFFICER WHO SHOT HAWKER IN NAIROBI CBD

#albertojwang #citizentv #kenyanpolitics

On June 17, 2025, a 22-year-old hawker named Boniface Mwangi Kariuki was shot in the head at close range by a police officer in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during protests demanding justice for blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances. The incident occurred outside Imenti House along Moi Avenue, where Kariuki was selling face masks to demonstrators.

The shooting, captured on video and widely shared online, sparked nationwide outrage. Reports indicate that two anti-riot police officers, identified as Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station, approached Kariuki. One officer struck him, and the other fired a shotgun at point-blank range. Kariuki was rushed to Bliss Medical Center and later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent emergency neurosurgery and was admitted to the ICU in critical condition. As of June 18, his father, John Kariuki, confirmed he was alive and responding well to treatment, dispelling earlier reports of his death.

The protests were part of ongoing demonstrations calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and accountability for Ojwang’s death. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrest of the officer involved, and Inspector-General Douglas Kanja ordered their arraignment. Public reaction included widespread condemnation from figures like Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Senator Okiya Omtatah, and celebrities such as Mercy Masika and Eric Omondi, who called for a silent “Mask Friday” protest on June 20. A makeshift shrine with flowers and newspapers was set up at the shooting site, reflecting public grief and demands for justice.