A STREET vendor shot in the head by police during protests two weeks ago has died a day after being declared brain-dead in hospital, his family says.
“Boniface is no more. We have just viewed his body,” family spokeswoman Emily Wanjira told the BBC.
Boniface Kariuki was shot as police cracked down on a protest in the capital Nairobi against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, 31.
Kariuki, a mask vendor, was shot at close range on 17 June, and later admitted to the main public referral hospital in Nairobi for treatment.
He spent nearly two weeks on a life-support machine, before his family were told by doctors that his heart was still beating but his brain had ceased to function.
Doctors had carried out several operations but some bullet fragments were reportedly still lodged in his brain.
News that he was brain dead had sparked further public anger over alleged police brutality, with increasing demands for justice.
Many Kenyans have also urged the government to settle the hospital bill after Mr Kariuki’s family had appealed for public donations.
Two police officers have appeared in court over his shooting, but have not yet been asked their pleas. They remain in custody pending the outcome of investigations.
On Sunday, Mr Kariuki’s family urged authorities to speed up investigations and ensure they get justice.
Kenya has seen a wave of protests in recent weeks, fuelled by accusations of police brutality.
At least 19 people were killed last Wednesday, rights groups say, however the authorities have blamed the violence on protesters, saying they set out to attack police stations and officers.
On Monday, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin told journalists that a total of 485 people have been arrested for a range of alleged offences, including murder, terrorism, rape, looting, destruction of property and attacks on police officers.
“No-one will hide behind peaceful protest to commit criminal acts,” Amin said. “We are analysing CCTV footage, mobile phone data, and digital communications to track those involved in the violence. More arrests will follow.
