Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old civilian who was shot during protests in Nairobi’s CBD, is alive and under observation, his father Jonah Kariuki has confirmed.
Speaking to the press, Jonah said his son’s surgery was successful and that while Boniface has a heartbeat, he is currently being supported by machines.
“I saw him, and he looked okay, although I can’t say he’s completely fine because of the machine. But I have faith he will recover,” he said.
According to the father, Boniface is a hardworking young man who works as a hawker in the city.
On the day of the protests, he opted to sell face masks to meet the growing demand caused by the teargas-filled demonstrations.
Like most Kenyans, he initially saw the video of his son being shot online but was skeptical.
His fears were, however, confirmed when Boniface’s friends called to inform him that his son had indeed been shot, urging him to rush to Kenyatta National Hospital.
Upon arriving at the hospital, he says he was not allowed to see his son immediately, but after some time, the medical team allowed him in.
Boniface was received at around 4:00 PM at Kenyatta National Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, and was booked for an emergency neurosurgical procedure as he was in critical care.
