Leaders and residents of Kangema Constituency in Murang’a have continued to condemn the shooting of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki who is in critical condition after being shot by a police officer.
Wearing face masks in symbolic solidarity with the injured hawker, residents gathered at Kariuki’s home in Kangema and called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a timely, thorough, and independent investigation to ensure justice is served.
Former Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan, Jamleck Kamau, who visited the family on Friday, strongly condemned the shooting and urged IPOA to fully deliver on its oversight mandate.
“We cannot have IPOA, an independent oversight body, appearing in police press briefings as though they are working together,” Kamau said.
He stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution and respecting the independence of institutions established to hold the government accountable.
“The government must not use police officers unlawfully. It has a duty to protect Kenyans and their property and not to harm them,” he added.
Kamau decried rising police brutality, noting that Kariuki was shot during protests demanding justice for teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, another alleged victim of police violence.
The incident involving Kariuki was captured on video, sparking national outrage.
George Kibuku, another local leader, emphasized the need for justice to restore public trust in state institutions and the rule of law.
“The officers involved in Kariuki’s shooting and those responsible for past police killings must be held accountable and charged,” said Kibuku.
He criticized the government’s handling of protests, saying excessive force by security agencies continues to result in unnecessary deaths, injuries, and disappearances.
He further urged the government to prioritize service delivery and address pressing issues such as unemployment and the high cost of living.
Kanyenyaini MCA Grace Nduta also condemned the incident, joining Kariuki’s family in prayer and calling on security agencies to uphold human rights and follow due process when dealing with civilians.
Ephantus Kimotho, Kariuki’s grandfather, on his part, expressed gratitude to residents and well-wishers across the country for their support since the incident.
Kimotho also advised young people to exercise caution during upcoming demonstrations.
The shooting of the unarmed hawker who is currently fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) continues to ignite widespread public anger since videos showing anti-riot officers assaulting him before one of them shot him in the head surfaced.
The two police officers captured in the video were arrested on Tuesday night and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts following the incident.
By Purity Mugo and Bernard Munyao
