Father of a Man Shot During Latest Protests in Kenya Calls for…

The father of Boniface Kariuki, shot by police during recent protests in Kenya, is calling for accountability. The incident relates to unrest following the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Demonstrators are demanding the prosecution of the officer involved, while the police confirm the officer’s arrest. Activists and international bodies are urging for transparent investigations into police actions amid rising concerns of brutality.

In Nairobi, Kenya, the father of a civilian shot by police during protests is calling for accountability. Jonah Kariuki spoke to reporters about his son, Boniface Kariuki, who is currently in intensive care following a bullet wound to the head. The incident occurred amid unrest provoked by the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang, allegedly while in police custody.

Kariuki, age 22, was reportedly participating in the protests, holding a packet of face masks, when he was shot by an officer whose face was concealed. The police responded with a statement emphasizing that the officer has been arrested, as the situation continues to escalate.

The unrest on Tuesday began over the scrutiny surrounding Ojwang’s death. Arrested for allegedly sharing false information about a police official, his death was initially attributed to him hitting his head against a wall. Nevertheless, activists are demanding a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Demands for police accountability have intensified, especially targeting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat, who has previously filed a defamation complaint against Ojwang. In a move seen as an attempt to garner public trust, Langat announced he would cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Jonah Kariuki emphasized that the officer who shot his son must accept “individual responsibility” for his actions, as the family seeks justice. Notably, activist and politician Okiya Omtatah has also publically called for a formal prosecution of the officer involved, questioning the necessity of masks during police operations.

The protests have turned violent, with reports that eleven individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during clashes, including gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, the judiciary has issued a statement affirming its commitment to justice, particularly in cases of alleged police misconduct.

The UK Embassy in Kenya has weighed in, advocating for an “independent & transparent investigation” into police actions. Kenya’s troubling history involving police brutality has come under renewed scrutiny, especially under President William Ruto, who previously committed to ending such practices.

The tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki during protests in Kenya underscores the urgent need for police accountability. As calls for justice grow louder from both family members and activists, the role of law enforcement in instances of excessive force is being critically examined. This incident reflects broader issues surrounding policing practices in the country, with international calls for a thorough investigation into police conduct. The situation remains tense, and the outcome of investigations may have significant implications for public trust in law enforcement.

Original Source: www.newsday.com