Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the shooting
of Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday's protests by a police officer at close
range.
Kariuki, in videos going viral on social media, was accosted
by two cops while selling masks to protesters, during which one of the cops
fired at him.
Reacting to the incident, Maraga said the act by the officers involved was inhumane.
“Boniface Kariuki was shot point-blank, cold, without a drop
of humanity,” he said.
The city mask vendor who was shot in Nairobi is currently
undergoing surgery, with an intensive care unit (ICU) bed prepared for post-operative
care.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed that
the patient is in the operating theatre with a neurosurgical team.
The hawker was shot during demonstrations in the Nairobi CBD
that turned chaotic as protesters clashed with police.
The protests were linked to growing calls for accountability
following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police
custody.
In a statement seen by the Star, Maraga said that as a
result of using ‘rogue operatives’ and goons, at least 22 people were reported
from the protests.
“The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR), an
independent national human rights institution established by the Kenyan
Constitution and the KNCHR Act under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya
2010, has, as of this evening, recorded twenty-two casualties of shootings and
violent attacks that happened across the country today.”
The former Chief Justice, however, commended Kenyan youths
for their unwavering pursuit of justice and accountability.
He insisted that their efforts and sacrifices are not in
vain.
“We celebrate the bravery and relentless pursuit of justice
and accountability that have been fervently led by the young people of Kenya.
The present and future of this country lie in your hands, and we are here to
walk this journey with you, collaboratively and with empathy and solidarity.
“Your efforts are not in vain. Your sacrifice, resilience,
creativity, and relentless pursuit of justice and the rule of law are
inspiring. We stand with you as you push for a new Kenya. We celebrate you; we
applaud you,” Maraga said.
He added that it is time for the country to reset, rebuild,
and be restored to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
