Mask vendor shot during Tuesday's protest remains in critical condition - KNH
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr William Sigilai said Boniface Kariuki was referred to the hospital from a city clinic on Tuesday afternoon after sustaining a severe head injury from a gunshot during protests in the Central Business District.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed that Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor shot during Tuesday’s protest in Nairobi at point blank, is still in critical condition and under intensive care following emergency surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his head.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, June 18, KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr William Sigilai said Kariuki was referred to the hospital from a city clinic on Tuesday afternoon after sustaining a severe head injury from a gunshot during protests in the Central Business District (CBD).
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“He was brought in at 3:16 pm and was critically ill with a gunshot wound to the head, which caused extensive bleeding and brain injury,” Dr Sigilai said.
According to the hospital, Kariuki was immediately stabilised by an emergency team led by Dr Janet Sugut and placed on life support. A CT scan later confirmed that the bullet had entered the left side of his head, prompting a complex neurosurgical operation.
“He was taken to theatre around 8:50 pm where a multidisciplinary team, led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Sam Njiru, carried out a delicate two-hour surgery and successfully removed the bullet,” the hospital reported.
Kariuki was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remains on mechanical ventilation. His condition remains critical but stable under continuous observation.
Kariuki was among 16 casualties received at KNH from the June 17 protests, which turned violent as police attempted to disperse demonstrators calling for justice for Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
His father, Jonah Kariuki, who has been keeping vigil at the hospital, described the harrowing ordeal that began with a video clip and ended with a call confirming his son had been shot.
“He sells masks. I have brought him up with a lot of challenges,” Jonah said on Wednesday.
“He is still not in good condition. I am deeply saddened by his condition, but I am hopeful that he will recover.”
Jonah recounted that Boniface had left their Makadara home Tuesday morning to hawk masks in the CBD.
“Around 8 p.m., those close to him called me and said he had been shot. I slept here at KNH, and in the morning, I saw him in the ICU. At least now I have hope,” he added.
Appealing for restraint and professionalism from law enforcement, Jonah urged police to operate within the law to avoid harming innocent citizens.
“Let them do their work as required by the law,” he said.
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