Boniface Kariuki Alive After Surgery, KNH Confirms
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed that Boniface Kariuki, the face mask vendor who was shot in the head during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, is alive and recovering after undergoing emergency surgery.
Kariuki was shot at close range along Moi Avenue by anti-riot police officers during demonstrations demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a teacher and influencer who allegedly died while in police custody. A widely circulated video captured the moment two officers in riot gear cornered Kariuki before one of them beat and shot him.
Speaking to the media, KNH Acting CEO Dr. William Sigilai said Kariuki was brought to the hospital at 3:16 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in critical condition.
“He had suffered a severe gunshot injury to the head, leading to extensive bleeding and brain trauma,” said Dr. Sigilai. “The emergency department, under the leadership of Dr. Janet Sugu, stabilized his condition and placed him on life support.”
A CT scan confirmed that the bullet had lodged in the left side of Kariuki’s brain. At 8:50 p.m. that evening, a specialized team led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru performed a complex, two-hour operation to remove the bullet.
“The procedure was successful. The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remains on mechanical ventilation,” said Dr. Sigilai. “While his condition is still critical, he is alive and under close, round-the-clock medical care.”
The hospital also received 16 patients with various injuries related to the protests. According to Dr. Sigilai, seven were admitted, nine were treated and discharged, and two underwent surgery. Four more are scheduled for surgical procedures.
“One of the patients remains unidentified and is being treated for a skull fracture, reportedly caused by assault,” he added.
The incident involving Kariuki has sparked public outrage, with many calling for police accountability and reforms. Authorities have confirmed that the officer believed to have shot Kariuki has been arrested and investigations are ongoing.