A Nairobi trader shot in the head during Tuesday’s anti-government protests in the Central Business District is alive but remains in critical condition, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed.
Boniface Kariuki, who was caught in the chaos during the June 17 demonstrations, arrived at KNH’s Accident and Emergency Department at 3:16 PM in a life-threatening state. According to KNH’s Acting CEO, Dr. William Sigilai, the victim had suffered a severe gunshot wound to the left side of his head, causing massive brain trauma and heavy bleeding.
“Upon arrival, the emergency care team led by Dr. Janet Sugut stabilised the patient and placed him on life support,” said Dr. Sigilai. “A CT scan revealed a bullet lodged in the left side of his brain.”
The hospital mobilised a multidisciplinary surgical team, led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru, to perform a complex operation. The procedure, which began at 8:50 PM and lasted two hours, successfully removed the bullet from the patient’s brain.
Kariuki was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remains on mechanical ventilation under constant observation.
“The patient’s condition is still critical, but he is alive. Our team continues to monitor him closely,” Dr. Sigilai stated.
The hospital revealed that a total of 16 patients were brought in following the violent protests. Of these, seven were admitted, nine treated and discharged, two have already undergone surgery and four more are set to undergo operations.
One patient, who is yet to be identified, sustained a skull fracture from an alleged assault and remains under observation.
Dr. Sigilai commended the swift action by first responders and civilians who rushed the injured to safety, as well as the hospital staff’s resilience under pressure. “We salute the dedication and professionalism of our emergency and trauma teams who have worked round-the-clock during this crisis,” he said.
