In Nairobi, Kenya, calls for justice have been ignited following a police shooting during recent protests related to the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody. The victim, Boniface Kariuki, was critically injured after being shot by a police officer. His father, Jonah Kariuki, shared that Boniface is under intensive care after undergoing successful surgery to address severe head injuries sustained from the gunshot. The bullet had pierced through his head, narrowly missing vital areas.
A street vendor like his father, the 22-year-old Boniface was caught up in a clash between demonstrators and law enforcement officers. He was reportedly shot at close range by an officer as he attempted to leave the scene. The incident has prompted public outcry, with demands for the officer responsible to be charged.
Police authorities noted in a statement that officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono have been apprehended and are undergoing processing by detectives. These developments follow protests in Nairobi sparked by anger over Ojwang’s death, who was suspected of publishing false information about a senior police official. His death in detention has been officially attributed to self-inflicted injuries, a claim activists dispute.
Protesters have called for the detention of police deputy inspector general Eliud Langat, who had previously filed defamation allegations against Ojwang. Langat stepped aside to allow for a thorough investigation, expressing his willingness to cooperate. Additionally, two officers from the Central Police Station have been arrested recently.
Jonah Kariuki insists the officer who shot his son should face individual accountability. In Murang’a County, where the family resides, community members express concerns over the dangers of seeking work in Nairobi amidst rising police violence.
Boniface’s mother, Susan Njeri, expressed disbelief over the incident, emphasizing her son’s innocence during the protest. She lamented the excessive use of force by police, especially as Boniface was merely conducting his business.
Okiya Omtatah, a local politician and activist, advocated for the prosecution of the officer involved and questioned the unusual conduct of police wearing facemasks during the operation. Meanwhile, the protests turned violent, leading to numerous individuals being hospitalized with injuries, including gunshot wounds. Seven victims remain hospitalized.
The Kenyan judiciary affirmed its commitment to ensuring justice in cases involving alleged police misconduct. Moreover, the UK embassy in Kenya has called for a rapid, transparent investigation into the police’s actions.
Amnesty International’s Kenyan branch highlighted the lack of arrests among criminal elements who exploited the protests. The police mentioned ongoing investigations into robbery cases associated with the protests and have apprehended one suspect, alongside recovering stolen goods.
Kenya’s troubled history with police brutality remains a focal point, with past promises from President William Ruto to curb these abuses. Similar instances occurred last year during protests against tax increases, resulting in several activists and protestors being abducted and killed by police forces, further igniting public demands for governmental accountability.