Boniface Mwangi, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot by police during protests in Nairobi, is alive and receiving medical treatment.
His father, Jonah Kariuki, confirmed the news while speaking to the media with deep sadness and pain.
He shared that Boniface is not just a protest victim, but also his hardworking son, and someone he raised through the same street business they both depend on.
Jonah revealed that he and his son have been hawking together for years. It’s the only job they know, and it’s how they have survived in Nairobi.
From paying rent to buying food and covering school expenses, hawking has been their way of life.
Jonah said it hurts him deeply to see his son lying in a hospital bed, injured while trying to earn an honest living.
He described the moment he received the news as heartbreaking. “Boniface is not a criminal. He was only working like he always does.
I have done this job myself for years, and I even raised him through hawking. It’s painful to see this happen to him,” Jonah said.
Despite the shock and sorrow, Jonah expressed gratitude that his son is still alive. He said doctors are doing their best, and the family is praying for his full recovery.
Boniface is under close medical observation, and although he is not out of danger yet, there is hope he will pull through.
Jonah also used the moment to speak out against police violence. He questioned why officers would shoot unarmed young people who are simply trying to make a living.
“We are poor, but we are not criminals. All we ask is to be allowed to work in peace,” he said.
By Nairobi