Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) is bustling with significant police presence in anticipation of sporadic protests.
Heavy police presence was noticed along major streets in the city, with anti-riot police officers armed with teargas canisters and in full riot gear.
The deployment comes in the wake of a planned Tuesday, June 17, 2025, protest, which was marred by violence and incidents of looting.
Injuries and gunshot wounds
In the aftermath of the protests, at least 16 people were admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) alone, with the injuries ranging from gunshots to blunt force trauma.
“In total, 16 patients were received at Kenyatta National Hospital as a result of the protest-related unrest,” KNH Acting CEO William Sigilai said.
“The injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma. Of these, 7 patients were admitted for further management, 9 were treated and discharged, 2 have undergone surgery, and 4 more are scheduled for surgical procedures today.”
“One other patient remains unidentified, having sustained a skull fracture reportedly from an assault. We commend the swift actions of first responders and the public who ensured the timely referral of casualties to KNH.”
Boniface Kariuki
During the protests, a face mask hawker was shot at close range by a police officer, who has since been identified as Klinzy Barasa. Barasa was interdicted alongside his counterpart Duncan Kiprono, and the duo have been arrested following the incident.
In a video which went viral on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, two police officers were seen approaching the face mask hawker, who had been standing against a wall along Moi Avenue. The officers roughed him up, and when he attempted to walk away, one of the officers shot him in the head.
As he collapsed on the pavement, the officers casually walked away as the man, who has since been identified as Boniface Kariuki, bled.
Kariuki was rushed to KNH and operated on by a team of neurosurgeons for two hours. He is currently in the ICU fighting for his life at the referral hospital.
“The victim, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, is recuperating in stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi following successful surgery,” a statement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, read.
“The National Police Service (NPS) deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
The tensions come just days before a major protest planned for June 25, 2025, in memory of the Gen Z youth killed in 2024 during the demonstrations against the punitive Finance Bill of 2024.
