NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan man who was shot at point-blank range by a police officer during demonstrations has passed away, according to his family. The man, identified as Boniface Kariuki, succumbed to his injuries on Monday afternoon after being declared brain-dead by doctors at Nairobi’s national referral hospital a day prior.
During protests against the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, an Associated Press photographer captured the harrowing incident where a plainclothes officer shot Kariuki in the head. The 30-year-old, who appeared to be selling face masks, likely got caught up in the unrest as a bystander. His death has reignited outrage over the persistent issue of police brutality in Kenya.
The incident has resulted in the arrest of two officers, who face charges related to Kariuki’s shooting that happened on June 17. In addition, six other individuals, including three police officers, are facing charges concerning the death of Ojwang while in custody. An initial police report alleged that Ojwang inflicted his injuries by banging his head against a wall, but a pathologist’s report contradicted this account.
These events have prompted human rights organizations to reiterate their demands for reform to combat illegal arrests, detention practices, and the torture of government critics. President William Ruto has committed to addressing police misconduct, stating that enforced disappearances would not be tolerated during his tenure.
Nevertheless, recent statements by Ruto’s interior minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, have stirred controversy. Murkomen instructed police to “shoot on sight” anyone seen approaching police stations during protests, following the arson of five such stations. He further stated that police officers should only back down when faced with crowds exceeding 20 people, referencing unspecified “orders from above.”
The Kenya Law Society has condemned Murkomen’s remarks as illegal, asserting that any unwarranted use of force would be considered a premeditated crime.