The family of Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker shot during Tuesday’s anti-government protests, has been hit with another devastating setback after fraudsters swindled them of Sh200,000 under false pretenses.
The scammers, posing as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA), contacted the distressed family on Friday, claiming they could help reduce Kariuki’s skyrocketing medical bill at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
“Someone called and said they needed to register my details with SHA to prevent the bill from escalating. I later realized it was a scam,” said Jonah Kariuki, the victim’s father, who reported the incident to the police.
Kariuki, who remains in critical condition, has undergone two surgeries—including a procedure to remove a bullet lodged in his brain—but shows no signs of improvement.
Doctors also extracted bullet fragments during a second operation after discovering persistent brain swelling.
His medical expenses have now exceeded Sh1 million, an overwhelming burden for his family, who survive on meager earnings from street vending.
“We don’t know how they will settle this bill. The father has been at the hospital every day, praying for his son to wake up,” said family lawyer Lucas Murage, appealing for public support.
A Father’s Anguish Jonah Kariuki, who hawks near Nairobi’s Railways Station, described the agony of watching his once-vibrant son sustained by machines.
“He doesn’t respond, even to touch. His heart is beating, but only the doctors can explain his true condition,” he said, fighting back tears.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru, who has a medical background, revealed that the bullet caused severe damage to the left side of Kariuki’s brain—a critical area affecting vital functions.
Kariuki was shot by a police officer in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) while selling masks to protesters demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
The demonstrations also called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
As the family grapples with trauma, financial strain, and the cruel scam, they cling to hope and prayers for a miracle.
