Father of Man Shot During Protests in Kenya Calls for Police Accountability

The father of Boniface Kariuki, a man shot during protests in Kenya, is calling for police accountability. Activists demand the arrest of the officer responsible after Kariuki was shot in the head. Protests arose following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The judiciary and the UK embassy have urged for investigations into police conduct amidst growing concerns about police violence in Kenya.

NAIROBI, Kenya — In the wake of recent protests in Kenya, the father of a young man shot by police is demanding accountability. Boniface Kariuki, just 22 years old, was shot at close range during clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Activists, along with Mr. Kariuki, are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible for the shooting.

Jonah Kariuki, his father, spoke to reporters about his son’s current state after undergoing surgery. The bullet had penetrated just above Boniface’s ear. Thankfully, the father reported that, following the procedure on Tuesday night, his son’s condition was stable, noting that “his heart was beating.” Boniface, who worked as a hawker like his father, was reportedly holding face masks during the confrontation with police when the incident occurred.

The protests arose in response to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death while in police custody. Ojwang had been arrested on June 6 after allegedly disseminating “false information” about a senior police officer on social media. Officials claim he died from injuries sustained after hitting his head against a cell wall, but activists are challenging that narrative.

Demonstrators are also calling for police deputy inspector general Eliud Langat to be arrested due to his role in Ojwang’s detention. Langat stated he is fully cooperating with investigations and has stepped aside to allow for a thorough inquiry. However, unrest continues as two other officers at the Central Police Station were arrested last week amidst growing public outrage.

Moreover, Okiya Omtatah, a prominent Kenyan politician and activist, chimed in, insisting that the officer who shot Boniface must be held accountable. Omtatah raised concerns about the optics of police wearing face masks during the incident, questioning the motivations behind such actions.

As tensions escalated Tuesday night, the protests turned violent with multiple injuries reported. Healthcare professionals confirmed at least 11 individuals were hospitalized for treatment of gunshot wounds related to the clashes.

In a broader commitment to justice, the judiciary released a statement affirming its dedication to addressing incidents of alleged police brutality. Additionally, the U.K. embassy in Kenya has called for a “swift, independent & transparent investigation” into the police’s actions during the protests.

Kenya has struggled with a long history of police violence, leading to widespread public outcry. President William Ruto has previously vowed to eradicate such brutality and extrajudicial killings after several activists were killed following protests last year. The situation surrounding these protests and the responses from various authorities continue to unfold.

As unrest continues over police actions during protests in Kenya, calls for accountability grow louder. The shooting of Boniface Kariuki has sparked demands for the prosecution of the officer involved and a thorough investigation into police conduct. Activists, along with affected families, seek justice for individuals harmed during recent demonstrations. This situation underscores a continuing confrontation with police brutality within the country, echoing wider concerns about human rights and law enforcement practices. The ongoing dialogue reflects a significant societal challenge, aiming to instigate change and accountability in the Kenyan justice system that many believe is long overdue.

Original Source: www.newsday.com