Jonah Kariuki, father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot in the Central Business District (CBD, has expressed his pain after the incident involving an anti-riot officer.
Speaking at the Kenyatta National Hospital on June 18, 2025, Kariuki called on the police to stop using force on innocent people, especially those who are simply trying to make a living.
“The boy who was shot is my son. He’s a hawker, just like me. I have raised him through so many struggles. He’s only 22 years old, just a young hawker from Makadara,” Jonah painfully narrated.
Jonah Kariuki also decried the lack of funds needed for his son’s medical care, stating that he has no means of settling the hospital bill when it is eventually presented to him.
Jonah Kariuki & Edwin Kigia Speak
On his part, Edwin Kagia, a vendor who was with Boniface Mwangi, recounted the moments leading up to the shooting incident.
He said they were selling masks around the Imenti House area when the incident occurred.
“A police officer approached him while he was selling masks. The officer slapped him, and even though he raised his hands in surrender, the officer still shot him,” Edwin said.
He added that he has seen his friend and fellow vendor, who is alive but currently fighting for his life in the ICU.
Moreover, he issued a plea to Kenyans to pray for his quick recovery, hoping his condition would improve.
Also Read: Govt Confirms Health Status of Mask Vendor Shot by Police in Nairobi CBD
Okiya Omtatah Confirm Mwangi is Alive
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who was with Jonah Kariuki, clarified that Boniface Mwangi is alive, contrary to earlier reports that had claimed he was dead.
“I woke up early and came to KNH to confirm that the boy is not dead. A doctor assured me that he is still alive,” he said.
Further, he revealed that there are other victims of the protests currently in the hospital receiving treatment.
Additionally, he has expressed regret for the damage to property that was occasioned by the lawlessness sanctioned and sponsored by rogue state agents. Justice be our shield and defender.
“Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is alive but fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at the KNH. We pray for a speedy recovery for Boniface and all the other Kenyans who were injured yesterday,” Okiya posted.
Also Read: Kenyan Shot by Police During #JusticeForAlbertOjwang Protests in Nairobi
Boniface Mwangi Shot
A mask vendor was shot in the head at close range by a police officer in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during protests demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
The incident that occurred on June 17, 2025, in a video shared online, two officers were seen approaching Mwangi who was standing on the sidewalk along the streets.
The officers beat him up twice before one of them moved at a further distance and made the shot.
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