The family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot in the head by an anti-riot police officer along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during protests, is now appealing for justice and speedy action.
Jonah Kariuki Nyambura has demanded to know his son’s offence that warranted an officer to open fire, saying he was only fending for himself by selling the facemasks.
Addressing the press on Wednesday morning, Mr. Nyambura said his son is in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he was rushed after sustaining life-threatening injuries to the head.
He added that he is relieved after seeing his son alive, contrary to early reports that he was dead after the shooting.
“I saw him in the video on my phone and at around 8pm in the evening, I was called by those close to him that my son had been shot. I slept here (KNH) and in the morning, I saw him at the ICU. At least now I have hope,” he said.
He further urged officers to practice restraint, calling for expeditious action against the officer who shot his son.
“I would urge police officers to be responsible because they also have children. The one they shot is also somebody’s son. Tough action should be taken against that police officer,” he added.
Mr. Kariuki said that Boniface has four younger sisters.
He was flanked by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who condemned police brutality, adding the incident must be addressed urgently.
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of the officer who shot Mwangi as pressure to tame police brutality in the country continues to pile across the board.
