Hawker Boniface Kariuki still in critical condition after 2-hour operation: KNH

Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot by a police officer at close range during Tuesday's protests held in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), is in critical condition following a complex surgery conducted by a team of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) doctors.

In a statement released on Wednesday, KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai indicated that the vendor was brought into the Accident and Emergency Department at 3:16pm, showing severe brain injury and excessing bleeding.

Led by Dr. Jane Sugut, the emergency team stabilised his condition and placed him on life support. Further, a CT scan of the brain confirmed that the bullet was lodged on the left side of the head.

At 8:50pm, the doctors, led by Dr. Sam Njiru, operated on Kariuki and after 2 hours, managed to remove the bullet.

Following the surgery, Kariuki was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he is receiving round-the-clock supervision to ensure his condition improves. 

"While his condition is still critical, he is alive and under close, round-the-clock observation and care by our medical team. In total, 16 patients were received at Kenyatta National Hospital as a result of the protest-related unrest," Dr. Sigilai said in the statement.

The development comes amid a public outcry following videos circulating online showing two anti-riot officers cornering Kariuki along Moi Avenue and roughing him up before opening fire at close range. 

This occurred during Tuesday's demonstrations, where protesters called for the resignation of Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat over his links to teacher Albert Ojwang's murder. 

The National Police Service (NPS) later released a statement saying that the said officer who shot the vendor was arrested following Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja's orders.