Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, the mask hawker shot at point-blank range by a police officer during Nairobi protests on 17 June, has been declared brain dead, his family says.
The 32-year-old was struck in the head during chaotic demonstrations in the Central Business District (CBD) and has been on life support since. Doctors confirmed he has no brain activity, though his heart is still beating.
What Happened?
Eyewitnesses say Mr. Kariuki was running away when officer Masinde Barasa shot him. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage, with activists demanding justice.
Police initially claimed protesters were violent, but footage showed Mr. Kariuki unarmed before the shooting. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation.
Family’s Anguish
His father, who is also a hawker told reporters: “He was just trying to make a living. Now he’s gone, even if his heart is still beating.” The family is calling for murder charges against the officer.
Public Outcry
The shooting has intensified anger over police brutality in Kenya. Human rights groups say at least 12 protesters were injured that day, with many arrested.
What Next?
IPOA says it will fast-track the probe, but past cases of police killings have seen little accountability. Activists vow to keep pushing for justice as protests loom.
Mr. Kariuki’s case has become a rallying cry against impunity—but for his family, the pain is unbearable. “We want the world to know what happened,” his relative said. “No one should die like this.”
