NAIROBI, Kenya — Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who sustained a gunshot wound during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District, remains in critical condition, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, KNH Chief Executive Officer William Sigilai provided an update on Kariuki’s status, stating that he was referred to the hospital from a clinic within the CBD after suffering a severe head injury from a gunshot.
“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Centre, he was noted to be critically ill with a wound on the left side of his head, resulting in bleeding and evidence of severe injury,” Sigilai detailed.
He further explained that the hospital’s emergency team, led by Dr. Janet Sugut, swiftly stabilized the patient and placed him on life support.
A subsequent CT scan of the brain confirmed that a bullet had indeed struck the left side of his head.
“The patient was then prepared for emergency surgery. At around 8:50 p.m., a multidisciplinary team led by neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru conducted a complex operation that lasted about two hours,” Sigilai stated.
He added: “During the procedure, an object believed to be a bullet was removed. The patient was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he is being cared for.”
KNH affirmed that while Kariuki’s condition remains critical, he is alive and under constant monitoring by a dedicated medical team.
Kariuki was reportedly selling masks when he was shot by police during anti-police brutality protests in the city center. The demonstrations were primarily staged to demand justice for teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody at the Central Police Station.
In his briefing, CEO Sigilai also confirmed that a total of 16 patients were received at Kenyatta National Hospital as a result of the protest-related unrest.
“The injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma. Of these, 7 patients were admitted for further management, 9 were treated and discharged, two have undergone surgery, and 4 more are scheduled for surgical procedures today,” he reported.
Sigilai also noted that “One other patient remains unidentified, having sustained a skull fracture reportedly from an assault.”
