Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has visited the mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, who was shot during protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking during his visit on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Kang’ata stated that the devolved unit condemns police brutality and demands justice.
“Bonnie is from Muranga Kangema. Muranga County condemns police brutality and demands justice,” Kang’ata stated.
Further, he revealed that he also met the family of Kariuki, who is receiving critical medical care at the national health facility.
“Visited Bonnie at KNH, where he is receiving critical medical care. Met his family as well,” he stated.
Kariuki was shot in the head at close range by a police officer while selling face masks at Imenti House on Moi Avenue.
The incident occurred amid nationwide unrest following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, which has since sparked widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police brutality.
In response to the shooting, two police officers, Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, were arrested and arraigned in court.
They are currently being held in custody until July 3, 2025, as investigations continue.
Kariuki’s father conned
Meanwhile, his father, Jonah Kariuki, fell victim to fraudsters posing as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during a press conference at KNH on June 21, 2025, he revealed that the scammers approached him with false promises of assisting with hospital bills and registering his family under the SHA programme.
In the process, they defrauded him of Ksh200,000.
“It was someone who told me he’s from SHA. He asked that I send him Ksh20,500 to help me reduce the hospital bill, but the person I tasked to do the transaction mistakenly sent Ksh200,500,” he said.
Influencers had launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help the family clear the hospital bill.
The senior, Kariuki, said he was yet to seek help from the service provider to have the money reversed.
“I had gone to Safaricom, but I did not get in because I was required to be here (at KNH), but I have taken an OB, so I will return to have them give me the statement,” he said.
