Bullet fragments still lodged in Boniface Kariuki’s brain as family battles Sh2.7 million KNH bill

Fragments of the bullet that tore through Boniface Kariuki’s skull when he was shot at point-blank range remain lodged deep in his brain, adding to what doctors describe as an already delicate and high-risk recovery process.

According to his family, the medical team at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has now conducted three major procedures, but warned that removing the remaining fragments could endanger his life.

Kariuki, 22, has been in critical condition at KNH for two weeks following the June 17 shooting that occurred along Moi Avenue during a demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was shot in the head at close range by a police officer and rushed to the hospital for emergency care.

Surgeons managed to remove the main bullet during the initial operation, but several metal fragments remain lodged in his brain. These, according to doctors, are in positions too risky to operate on without endangering his life.

On Friday, Kariuki underwent a third surgical procedure as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise his condition.

Breathing tubes

Family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru said the latest operation involved relocating his breathing tubes from the nose to the throat to allow him to breathe normal oxygen.

“Part of it was a procedure known as pegging, which involves creating a pathway for feeding tubes below the abdomen, connecting to the intestines for patients unable to swallow,” Wanjiru told The Standard.

She noted that the technique is minimally invasive and avoids a full abdominal operation while providing essential nutritional support for critically ill patients.

According to Wanjiru, doctors shared that one bullet fragment remains in the brain and cannot be removed at the moment.

“They said it will only be removed once it forms pus. They are worried that if it is touched as it is, it might endanger his life,” she said.

Wanjiru also revealed that Kariuki’s brain remains severely damaged.

“He does not recognise anyone, but on Monday, he was responding to pain before switching back to the same state,” she said.

Kariuki’s condition means he will remain in the intensive care unit for an undetermined period.

Meanwhile, the family is grappling with a mounting hospital bill, which has reportedly surpassed Sh2.7 million.

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“Per day, we were told that it increases by Sh180,000. This has forced us to create a pay bill because his parents are unable to foot the bill,” Wanjiru added.