Nairobi, Kenya – June 18, 2025
Public outrage has intensified in Kenya following the arrest of a police officer who shot and severely wounded an unarmed civilian in broad daylight during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi on Tuesday. The graphic incident, which occurred in full view of journalists and was captured in a series of chilling images, has once again thrust the issue of police misconduct and extrajudicial violence into the national spotlight.
The victim, identified as 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head at close range while peacefully selling face masks on one of Nairobi’s busiest streets. The shooting took place as protests erupted in the capital and in Mombasa in response to the recent death of a teacher and blogger, Albert Ojwang, while in police custody.
According to witnesses and photographic evidence published by the Associated Press, two armed police officers were seen rushing toward Kariuki, who appeared unarmed and non-threatening. In a shocking moment captured on camera, one of the officers fired a single shot to Kariuki’s head before calmly walking away with his colleague. The young man collapsed to the ground, bleeding profusely, still clutching the packet of face masks he had been selling.
Astonishingly, Kariuki survived the gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors confirmed that the bullet had passed through his head just above the ear.
His father, Jonah Kariuki, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, described the surgery as “successful” but noted that his son remains in intensive care. “The bullet missed vital parts of his brain by inches. It’s a miracle that he’s alive,” he said. “Boniface is a hawker, just like me. He was not part of the protests. He was simply trying to earn a living.”
Mr. Kariuki condemned the police officer’s actions and demanded immediate accountability. “This officer must take individual responsibility. My son did nothing wrong. He wasn’t armed, he wasn’t violent—he was simply working,” he said.
Following national and international uproar over the images and accounts of the incident, Kenyan authorities confirmed the arrest of the officer involved. Though the police have not released the name of the officer, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a formal investigation into the shooting, pledging to ensure transparency and justice.
“The footage is deeply disturbing,” said an IPOA spokesperson. “We are committed to conducting a full investigation. The officer has been arrested, and appropriate legal proceedings will follow.”
Tuesday’s protests were ignited by public anger over the death of Albert Ojwang, a 29-year-old teacher and activist known for his online critiques of the government. Ojwang was detained earlier this month after allegedly defaming a senior police official. Just days later, he was found dead in custody, with authorities initially offering no clear explanation. His family claims he was tortured.
The killing of Ojwang added to a growing list of deaths linked to police actions, further fuelling public demands for justice and reform. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have long raised alarm over the culture of impunity within the Kenyan police force.
“This isn’t an isolated case,” said human rights lawyer Njeri Mwangi. “From the post-election violence to daily street operations, police abuse is systemic. The shooting of Boniface Kariuki is symbolic of the reckless disregard for human life that we continue to witness.”
Despite repeated promises by President William Ruto to address police brutality and introduce reform, little has been done to curb what many describe as a culture of unchecked violence. President Ruto has yet to publicly address Tuesday’s shooting or the wider concerns raised by protestors. Critics say his silence is eroding public trust in his administration’s commitment to justice.
“People are tired of empty rhetoric,” said activist Martin Obuya. “We want concrete action—prosecution, reform, oversight—not just apologies after lives are lost.”
Kenya’s police force has a long history of being implicated in extrajudicial killings, especially during protests or political unrest. A 2022 report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights cited hundreds of cases of police violence that resulted in civilian deaths, with very few officers ever being held accountable.
The government’s perceived inaction has prompted activists to call for renewed protests. A follow-up demonstration has been scheduled for June 24, with organizers vowing to keep pressure on the government until decisive steps are taken.
Meanwhile, support is pouring in for the Kariuki family, with many Kenyans on social media expressing their outrage and offering donations for Boniface’s medical expenses. Hashtags such as #JusticeForBoniface and #StopPoliceBrutality have trended for hours, underscoring the national mood.
“The world is watching,” said Mr. Kariuki. “We want justice, not just for my son, but for all the innocent lives destroyed by those who are supposed to protect us.”
As Boniface Kariuki continues to fight for his life, many are left questioning how long Kenya can endure a system that continues to brutalize the very people it is mandated to serve. The officer’s arrest is seen as a small step—but for many, justice remains elusive until convictions follow and meaningful reform takes root.
