Kenya, June 30 -- Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has said that a street vendor named Boniface Kariuki, who was shot during protests in Nairobi's central area, insulted the police officer who shot him.
"It was a simple exchange. If you listen to that video carefully, you will hear the young man insulting the policeman. But as an officer, you should have self-control and use a rubber bullet instead," Owino explained during his interview with Citizen TV.
He also pointed out that the officer who is facing charges for trying to kill Boniface Kariuki seems young and may not be able to handle his anger.
"He is just a young boy. if someone insults him, he might react badly."
In another incident, two police officers were shot and killed at Ng'iya police station in Siaya. A video shared on social media shows the moments leading up to Kariuki's shooting.
In the video, Kariuki is seen being confronted by two police officers. Suddenly, without any sign of him being a threat or resisting, one officer allegedly shoots him at close range, and Kariuki falls down.
Bystanders are heard screaming as they witness this act. The world watches as another young life is put in danger.
Kariuki survived and was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he had surgery. He is still at KNH, in the intensive care unit (ICU).
"Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is alive but fighting for his life in the ICU at KNH. I have worked hard to raise my son, and I am sad about what happened, but his condition is stable, and I pray he gets better," said his father, Kariuki.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga is one of many leaders who have spoken out against this act. "Boniface Kariuki was shot point-blank, without any compassion," he said.
"The government sent its violent security officers to scare and harm Kenyans," he added.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.