President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Adviser, Moses Kuria, this afternoon visited 22‑year‑old hawker Boniface Kariuki, who was shot at point‑blank range by police during last week’s protests.

Boniface is currently receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his skull.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Sunday evening, June 22, 2025, Kuria disclosed that during the hospital visit, he met with Boniface’s father, Jonathan Kariuki, and he offered his full support during this difficult moment.

He emphasised that, regardless of the context, police brutality could not be condoned and was indefensible.

“This afternoon, I have visited Boniface, the innocent hawker who was shot at close range by the police during demonstrations last week. I have assured Jonathan Kariuki, Boniface’s father, of my full support during this difficult moment,” Kuria wrote.

“We cannot condone police brutality, and this act is indefensible no matter the context.”

Kuria noted that Kariuki’s shooting, coming soon after the murder of X influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody, should serve as a wake‑up call for urgent re‑orientation of the police.

He warned that abductions, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and police brutality were simply incompatible with a democratic state.

“Coming soon after the cold-blooded murder of Albert Ojwang, this should be a wake-up call for the urgent need for reorientation of our police,” he added.

“Abductions, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and police brutality are simply incompatible with a democratic state.”

Shooting incident

Kariuki was shot while selling masks during the protest in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, after the death of teacher and X influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Following the incident, several human rights bodies and political leaders from both divisions have condemned the violence levelled against unarmed protesters.

Officers interdicted

The National Police Service (NPS) has since interdicted and disclosed the identities of two police officers arrested in connection with the shooting and injuring of protesters in Nairobi.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga revealed that two police officers have been arrested following the incident that drew widespread condemnation from across the country.

“Following yesterday’s disturbing shooting incident, the National Police Service (NPS) wishes to provide the following update to the public: The details of the two police officers arrested yesterday are as follows: 1. No. 119413 Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde 2. No. 117193 Police Constable Duncan Kiprono,” the police statement reads.

“The two officers have now been interdicted and are currently being processed by the homicide team at the DCI headquarters, pending further action.”

This afternoon I have visited Boniface, the innocent Hawker who was shot at close range by the police during demonstrations last week. I have assured Jonathan Kariuki, Boniface's father my full support during this difficult moment. We can not condone police brutality and this… pic.twitter.com/9unzSEcPUl

— Hon.Moses Kuria,HSC (@HonMoses_Kuria) June 22, 2025