Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi street hawker known for selling masks, has been declared brain dead after being shot by a police officer during anti-government protests held on Tuesday, June 17.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, June 29, outside Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kariuki’s family confirmed that doctors informed them his brainstem had completely stopped working, meaning his brain is no longer functioning.
According to the medical team, Kariuki has suffered irreversible brain damage and is being kept alive only by machines. Doctors are now expected to formally declare him clinically dead in the coming days.
In medical terms, brain death means the entire brain, including the brainstem, has ceased all activity and cannot recover. A person who is brain dead cannot breathe on their own and is legally considered dead, even if machines can keep the heart beating.
Kariuki’s family received the devastating news late at night. “We were called at exactly 12:47 a.m. by the hospital. They said they needed to speak to us urgently. That’s when they explained that Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is now brain dead,” the family spokesperson shared with the media.
She further explained, “The doctors told us that his brainstem is no longer working. It’s hard to accept, but that’s the truth. His hospital bill has already exceeded Ksh3 million. We’re pleading with well-wishers to stand with us during this painful time.”
Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki, added that although his son’s brain had completely shut down, his heart was still beating with the support of machines in the ICU.
He urged Kenyans of goodwill to come forward and help settle the medical bills that have kept piling up since his son’s admission.
Following the shooting incident, Dr. William Sigilai, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital, had earlier confirmed that Kariuki underwent brain surgery to remove what appeared to be a bullet-like object lodged in his head.
Although initial findings suggest it may have been a rubber bullet, further forensic examinations are still pending to determine the exact nature of the projectile.
The shooting occurred during demonstrations demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a young man who died in a police cell under controversial circumstances.
During the protest, two police officers were caught on video confronting Kariuki. Moments later, one of the officers was seen shooting him at close range, leaving him unconscious on the ground.
Adding to the family’s pain, they disclosed that they were recently defrauded of Ksh200,000 while trying to seek urgent medical help for Kariuki. The con deepened their emotional and financial struggles as their loved one lay in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Now, as they face the harsh reality of Boniface Kariuki’s condition, the family is appealing for justice, accountability, and financial support to deal with the aftermath of the tragic shooting.
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