Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the shooting of Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday’s protests by a police officer at close range.
Kariuki, in videos going viral on social media, was accosted by two cops while selling masks to protesters, during which one of the cops fired at him.
Reacting to the incident, Maraga said the act by the officers involved was inhumane.
“Boniface Kariuki was shot point-blank, cold, without a drop of humanity,” he said.
The city mask vendor who was shot in Nairobi is currently undergoing surgery, with an intensive care unit (ICU) bed prepared for post-operative care.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that the patient is in the operating theatre with a neurosurgical team.
The hawker was shot during demonstrations in the Nairobi CBD that turned chaotic as protesters clashed with police.
The protests were linked to growing calls for accountability following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
In a statement seen by the Star, Maraga said that as a result of using ‘rogue operatives’ and goons, at least 22 people were reported from the protests.
“The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR), an independent national human rights institution established by the Kenyan Constitution and the KNCHR Act under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, has, as of this evening, recorded twenty-two casualties of shootings and violent attacks that happened across the country today.”
The former Chief Justice, however, commended Kenyan youths for their unwavering pursuit of justice and accountability.
He insisted that their efforts and sacrifices are not in vain.
“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 lie in your hands, and we are here to walk this journey with you, collaboratively and with empathy and solidarity.
“Your efforts are not in vain. Your sacrifice, resilience, creativity, and relentless pursuit of justice and the rule of law are inspiring. We stand with you as you push for a new Kenya. We celebrate you; we applaud you,” Maraga said.
He added that it is time for the country to reset, rebuild, and be restored to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
by BRIAN ORUTA
