Kenya’s former Chief Justice David Maraga has publicly condemned the shooting of Boniface Kariuki by a police officer at close range during the demonstrations in Nairobi on Tuesday June17, 2025.
This was after Boniface Kariuki, a civilian, who was reportedly selling face masks, was shot at close range by anti-riot police officers in Nairobi’s CBD.
Reacting to the incident, Maraga said the act by the police officer involved in the shooting was cold and inhumane.
“Boniface Kariuki was shot point blank, cold, without a drop of humanity,” Maraga said.
“The regime deployed its rogue security operatives to terrorize Kenyans,” he added.
He explained that the allegedly State-supported and sponsored militias on motorbikes, some wielding clubs, have been witnessed and recorded attacking unarmed civilians in the streets, in coordination with supposedly security forces.
Reports indicate that the mask vendor who was shot is currently undergoing surgery, at an intensive care unit (ICU) bed prepared for post-operative care.
Meanwhile, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that the patient is in the operating theatre with a neurosurgical team.
The former Chief Justice, however, commended the youths for pursuing justice and accountability.
“We celebrate the bravery and relentless pursuit of justice and accountability that have been fervently led by the young people of Kenya. The present and future of this country lies in your hands, and we are here to walk this journey with you, collaboratively and with empathy and solidarity,” said Maraga.
”Your efforts are not in vain, your sacrifice, resilience, creativity and relentless pursuit for justice and rule of law is inspiring. We stand with you as you push for a new Kenya. We celebrate you, we stand with you, we applaud you,” he added.
