The father of a mask vendor shot by police at close range
during Tuesday’s protest has condemned the incident.
Boniface Kariuki was selling masks when he was accosted by
two police officers, during which one of them was filmed shooting him.
While reacting to the events that led to the hospitalisation
of his son, Jonah Kariuki said police should endeavour to protect those who work
hard to provide for themselves and their families.
“Ningeomba hawa askari wamefanya haya maneno wakome kwa
sababu wanapiga watu innocent wenye wanajitafutia. Wakifanya hivyo itakuwa
vizuri,” he said.
This loosely translates to, “I want to urge the police
officers who did this to stop harassing innocent people who are only trying to
earn a living. It will be good if they do that.”
He spoke outside the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on
Wednesday, after assessing the situation of his 22-year-old son.
The father was accompanied by Busia Senator and activist
Okiya Omtatah.
Boniface was selling masks to protesters who had come out to
demand justice over the murder of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang.
The city mask vendor is currently undergoing surgery, with
an intensive care unit (ICU) bed prepared for post-operative care.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that
the patient is in the operating theatre with a neurosurgical team.
Kariuki’s shooting has caused uproar among leaders and
Kenyans in general over the conduct of the police.
National Police Service, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned
the incident and said the officer involved in the shooting has since been
arrested.
The NPS said Inspector-General Douglas Kanja ordered the
immediate arrest and arraignment of the officer involved.
“The said police officer has since been arrested,” the
statement confirmed.
NPS said the cop will presented in court.