Scammers posing as comedian and content creator Eric Omondi and SHA officials have wiped clean the M-Pesa account of Jonah Kariuki, the father of a shot mask vendor during Tuesday’s demonstrations.

Family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru has told Radio 47 Digital that Jonah received a call on Friday from a person pretending to be comedian and content creator Eric Omondi, who promised that, together with SHA officials, they were going to help him pay for his son’s hospital bills. Wanjiru said the caller told Kariuki that a little money was needed to aid the registration of SHA. Without thinking twice, Jonah gave out his details, including the M-Pesa PIN, which enabled the scammers to steal from his account.

The money in Jonah’s M-Pesa account was from contributions by Kenyans of goodwill, sent after the tragic shooting of his son on Tuesday.

The scammers even hacked his phone, and the M-Pesa app has not been working since the account was wiped clean.

Wanjiru says the family plans to open a Paybill number where Kenyans will be able to send money to support them.

The family has invited the media for a press briefing at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) today, Saturday, 21st June 2025, at 12 noon.

The family, led by his father, John Kariuki, and mother, Susan Njeri, is expected to provide an update on Boniface’s health condition so far.

Boniface’s family will also be joined by the Hawkers Association and the family lawyers.

Boniface underwent a second surgery Thursday night, with his father confirming Friday morning that his son “was not well.”

Kariuki was shot in the head by police while selling masks during Tuesday’s demonstrations.

Police constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (No. 117193), who were involved in the shooting, were immediately arrested and interdicted.