NAIROBI — Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi street trader shot during Tuesday’s protests in the Central Business District, remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. Doctors say he is still on life support after emergency brain surgery.
Kariuki was shot in the head around mid-afternoon on Tuesday and referred to KNH from a nearby clinic. The hospital confirmed he arrived at 3:15 p.m. with a bullet lodged in the left side of his skull.
“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Department, he was critically ill with a gunshot wound to the head,” said acting KNH CEO Dr. William Sigilai. “The injury caused severe brain damage and heavy bleeding.”
A team of specialists, including neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru, conducted a two-hour surgery beginning at 8:30 p.m. to extract the bullet. Doctors say Kariuki’s condition is still life-threatening, and he remains in the Intensive Care Unit on mechanical ventilation.
“He is alive and under constant observation by our ICU team,” Sigilai confirmed Wednesday. “His condition is critical but stable.”
In addition to Kariuki, KNH received 16 other individuals injured during the protests. These patients suffered a mix of gunshot wounds and blunt trauma injuries.
Seven were admitted for further care. Nine were treated and released. Two of the admitted patients have already undergone surgery. Four more surgeries are scheduled today.
Sigilai added that one of the patients remains unidentified and has a skull fracture believed to be from a violent assault. “We commend the public and first responders who ensured quick transport of the injured to our facility,” he said.
KNH said it will continue updating the public while protecting patient privacy and dignity.
The hospital’s emergency team, led by Dr. Janet Sugut, was credited with stabilizing Kariuki on arrival. A CT scan confirmed the bullet’s trajectory and damage, prompting immediate surgical intervention.
The protests that erupted in Nairobi Tuesday turned violent in parts of the city center. Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online show armed officers dispersing crowds, though it remains unclear who fired the shot that struck Kariuki.
KNH leadership praised medical staff for their swift and professional response.
“We remain committed to delivering emergency and trauma care at the highest standard,” Sigilai said.
Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the events that led to the shootings. No arrests related to the injuries had been confirmed by Wednesday morning.
The protests were part of growing public unrest over national economic policies, with demonstrators calling for urgent reforms. Kariuki, a well-known street vendor in the city center, had reportedly been selling masks before he was shot.
Kenyatta National Hospital said it would release further updates as they become available.
