Nairobi Mask Hawker Confirmed Brain Dead After Shooting, Family Awaits Final Word

Nairobi, Kenya – June 29, 2025 – The family of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker shot in Nairobi, is grappling with devastating news as medics at Kenyatta National Hospital have confirmed he is brain dead.

Kariuki, who was left in critical condition following the shooting, has undergone two surgeries to remove bullet fragments lodged in his head, but his condition has deteriorated, leaving his family in anguish.

Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira addressed the press on Sunday, sharing the heartbreaking update. “Mwangi is confirmed brain dead. We know what it means. We are just waiting for the doctor to tell us he is no more,” she said, referring to Kariuki by his other name.

Despite his organs still functioning, the family was informed that his brain activity has ceased, and remaining bullet fragments in his brain have not been extracted.

Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, spoke to the media on June 18 at Kenyatta National Hospital, where his son was receiving round-the-clock care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He revealed that the hospital bill had already reached Ksh 1 million and was rising daily, adding financial strain to the family’s emotional turmoil.

The incident has sparked outrage, with the family calling for justice against the police officers allegedly responsible for the shooting.

“We want the judicial system to act swiftly, to convict and sentence those responsible for this crime,” a family member stated, echoing a broader demand for accountability amid growing concerns over police conduct.

Kariuki’s case has drawn attention in the context of recent unrest, with reports linking his shooting to broader protests.

The family’s plea for justice aligns with public outcry over incidents of alleged police brutality, including the controversial “shoot to kill” order, which Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently clarified amid public uproar.

As the family awaits further medical updates, they are left to navigate both grief and mounting medical costs. Kariuki’s story has become a somber reminder of the human toll of violence, with his loved ones holding onto hope while preparing for the worst.