Father of Man Shot During Latest Protests in Kenya Calls for…

Protests in Kenya turned violent when Boniface Kariuki was shot by police. His father is calling for accountability, and there are demands for action against the officer involved, following the suspicious death of a blogger in police custody. The judiciary and the U.K embassy have called for independent investigations into police actions amid concerns over brutality.

Nairobi, Kenya – The recent protests in Kenya turned violent after a young civilian was shot by police. Boniface Kariuki, 22, was reportedly shot at close range while he was holding a packet of face masks. His father, Jonah Kariuki, expressed his anguish during an interview, emphasizing that despite the severity of his son’s injuries, medical staff were optimistic following a successful surgery. The bullet passed through Boniface’s head, just above the ear; he remains in intensive care.

The protests erupted in response to the suspicious death of a blogger, Albert Ojwang, who was found dead while in police custody. Ojwang was arrested on allegations of disseminating false information on social media regarding a senior police official. Although police say he died after hitting his head against a cell wall, many activists are questioning this narrative.

Demands for justice surged during the protests, with calls for law enforcement to charge the officer responsible for the shooting of Kariuki. Police have since confirmed that the officer involved has been arrested. An activist and politician, Okiya Omtatah, urged for accountability, noting the troubling visibility of officers in face masks during the confrontation, leading to concerns about transparency in such operations.

Tensions flared further as protesters also demanded action against police deputy inspector general Eliud Langat. Langat had previously filed a defamation complaint against Ojwang before his death. In a twist, he announced on Monday that he would cooperate with ongoing investigations, even stepping aside to ensure transparency.

The aftermath of the protests did leave injuries—11 individuals were treated at a national referral hospital for various injuries, including gunshot wounds. The judiciary has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to delivering justice in cases like these, particularly those involving police brutality.

In a statement on social media, the British embassy in Kenya called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into police actions during the protests. This call reflects ongoing concerns about police conduct in a country where brutality has become a troubling norm.

Critics are wary, given Kenya’s past. Last year, many activists were abducted and killed amid protests surrounding a controversial finance bill, leading to further calls for accountability and systemic changes within law enforcement. President William Ruto has previously pledged to tackle police brutality and extrajudicial killings, a promise that continues to be viewed skeptically amidst recent events.

The shooting of Boniface Kariuki during protests has ignited a renewed call for police accountability in Kenya. His father’s demands, alongside strong activist calls for justice, have drawn widespread attention to the troubling issues of police brutality. With the ongoing investigations into police conduct and calls for transparency, the Kenyan government faces mounting pressure to ensure accountability and uphold justice.

Original Source: www.newsday.com