Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth has confirmed the health status of a mask vendor, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who was shot by a police officer in Nairobi CBD during the protests by youth demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang after he died in police custody.
Speaking to the media on the night of June 17, 2025, at the Kenyatta National Hospital, the Health Director General confirmed that the man is still alive, contrary to some reports that he had passed away.
“The patient was received here at around four o’clock. We still don’t have his details in terms of his name or age. He was promptly evaluated by the emergency team, the necessary first aid administered, and the necessary tests conducted,” said Amoth.
Amoth Gives Update on Patient
Upon evaluation at KNH, surgeons concluded that the patient required an emergency neurosurgical procedure. At the time he was speaking with the media on Tuesday night, the patient was in theatre with the neurosurgical team.
“As a precaution, of course, we have prepared an ICU bed because a case such as this requires immediate ICU support in the post-operative period,” Dr. Amoth added.
Amoth, however, said he would not be able to give the details of the damage because the neurosurgical team was already in theater with the patient by the time he arrived at Kenyatta National Hospital.
He stated that he would provide an appraisal of the patient’s tests based on the outcome of the surgical procedure and would keep the public updated.
Also Read: Police Who Shot Hawker Eli Joshua During Protests Arrested
Following the shooting incident, Inspector-General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The officer has since been arrested.
Elsewhere, another Kenyan named Philip Oketch was shot in the neck during protests in the Nairobi CBD.
According to Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Philip Oketch is a student at Kenyatta University and is currently admitted at the KNH and he is in critical condition. The legislator appealed to the public to help trace the victim’s family.
“Comrade Philip Oketch was shot on the neck today. He is currently at KNH in a critical condition. He is a student at Kenyatta University, comes from Karachuonyo. We are trying to trace his family,” the Embakasi East MP said.
Kenyans React to Mask Vendor Shooting Incident
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, captured on video, sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans and leaders, who condemned the police for excessive force and brutality.
Also Read: Kenyan Shot by Police During #JusticeForAlbertOjwang Protests in Nairobi
Kenyans and political leaders on social media expressed grief and anger, highlighting the vendor’s innocence. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned that Kenya risks becoming a “pariah state” due to police brutality, questioning the government’s role in orchestrating violence.
On his part, Lawyer Cliff Ombeta labeled it a “clear case of murder”. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua also questioned how many deaths are needed to end extrajudicial killings.
In addition, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo called the act “unacceptable,” echoing public demands for reform.
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