Kenyan vendor shot by police during protests declared brain dead

 

Boniface Kariuki's family have called for a speedy investigation into his death

 According to his family, a street vendor who was shot in the head by police during protests two weeks ago has been declared brain dead in the hospital. The family of Boniface Kariuki said that doctors had told them that his brain had stopped working, even though his heart was beating with life support. "We know what it means.  We are just waiting for the doctor to tell us he is no more," family spokesperson Emily Wanjira told journalists.

 Mr Kariuki, 22, was caught in the crossfire when police cracked down on a protest in the capital Nairobi against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, 31.

 Mr Kariuki, a mask vendor, was shot at close range on 17 June, and was admitted to the main public referral hospital in Nairobi for treatment.

 Since his admission, several operations have been performed, but some bullet fragments are still reportedly lodged in his brain. The public's outrage over alleged police brutality has grown since the announcement that he was brain dead. Many Kenyans have also urged the government to settle the rising hospital bill after Mr Kariuki's family appealed for public donations.

 Two police officers have appeared in court over his shooting, but have not yet been asked to pleas.  They remain in custody pending the outcome of investigations.

 Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent?

 Why a blogger's death has put Kenya's police on trial At least 19 people were killed during nationwide anti-government demonstrations last Wednesday, according to the state-funded rights body.

 The protests, on the other hand, were characterized as "terrorism disguised as dissent," according to Kenya's interior minister, Kipchumba Murkomen. He urged officers to "shoot on sight" civilians who attacked police stations, sparking further criticism from lawyers and rights groups.

 Mr. Kariuki's family appealed to the authorities on Sunday to expedite the investigation and ensure that justice is served. Six people - including three police officers - have been charged with murder over Mr Ojwang's death in police custody.

 His death forced Kenya's deputy police chief Eliud Lagat to step aside, but many Kenyans are demanding his resignation.

 After Mr. Lagat filed a complaint alleging that Mr. Ojwang had defamed him on social media, he was taken into custody. An autopsy found that Mr Ojwang died of assault wounds.  Mr Lagat has denied any wrongdoing.