A 22-year-old street vendor, Boniface Kariuki, who was shot in the head by police during protests in Nairobi two weeks ago, has been declared brain dead by doctors.
Kariuki’s family said medics informed them that his brain had ceased to function, although his heart was still beating with life-machine support.
The young vendor was caught in the crossfire when police cracked down on a protest against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Despite several operations, some bullet fragments remain lodged in Kariuki’s brain.
The news of his condition has sparked public anger over alleged police brutality, with demands for justice and calls for the government to settle his rising hospital bill.
Two police officers have appeared in court over his shooting and remain in custody pending investigation.
