Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has alleged that hawker Boniface Kariuki who was shot during protests in Nairobi CBD insulted the officer who shot him.
“It was a very simple exchange. If you listen to that clip closely you will hear that boy abusing the policeman. But you are an officer you must have restraint, and shoot him with a rubber bullet,” said Owino.
“You can see what it has caused the image of the police so far,” he added during his interview by Citizen TV.
He further argued that the officer charged with the attempted murder of Boniface Kariuki appears young and maybe unable to contain his anger.
“Such a young boy…if you abuse him…you know what may happen.”
As seen in a video that was shared on social media on the moments resulting in Kariuki’s ordeal. Kariuki is seen being harassed by two officers. Moments later, with no sign of threat or resistance, one officer allegedly fires at close range. Kariuki falls. Bystanders scream. And the world watches another young life crumble to the pavement.
Kariuki survived and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent surgery. He is currently admitted at KNH in the intensive care unit (ICU) bed.
“Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is alive but fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at the KNH. I’ve struggled to raise my son, and I am sad, but his condition is stable and I pray he will get better,” said his father, Kariuki.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga is among national leaders who condemned this act. “Boniface Kariuki was shot point blank, cold, without a drop of humanity,” he said.
“The regime deployed its rogue security operatives to terrorize Kenyans,” he further added.
Written by Gachambi Nderitu.
