IG Kanja: We'll ensure Boniface Kariuki gets justice

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has promised that justice will be served for Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi street vendor who was shot in the head at close range by police during the June 17, 2025, protests.

Kariuki survived the shooting and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

According to Central Region Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, who spoke on behalf of IG Kanja said the two officers linked to the shooting have been charged in court and remain in custody.

“I want to assure you that we are working closely with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served openly, fairly, and without compromise,” Ndanyi said.

He spoke while leading a group of senior officers on a visit to Kariuki’s family, acknowledging the pain and challenges they have endured since the shooting. “

We are part of the communities we serve, and when one of us is hurt, all of us are affected,” he added.

Kariuki’s family has been grappling with growing medical costs, with hospital bills reaching Sh1 million. They have expressed their struggles, as Kariuki was the sole breadwinner for the household.

The shooting has fueled widespread public anger over the police’s use of force during recent protests.

Human rights groups have accused officers of acting with excessive aggression, triggering fresh demands for accountability and systemic reforms within the police service.

Leaders and activists have called on the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service to take decisive action to end alleged abuses and restore trust between the police and the public.

As the investigation unfolds, the family and many Kenyans await a thorough and transparent process that delivers justice for Kariuki.