Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a hawker who was shot at close range during the June 17 protest in Nairobi, has died after nearly two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital. His family confirmed that he passed away on Monday at 3:15 pm.

Kariuki, popularly known for selling face masks in the city, had been on life support since he was rushed to hospital after being shot along Mondlane Street, as police dispersed protesters during nationwide demonstrations  on June 25, 2025.

“It is true he passed on more than an hour ago. The family will give you more details,” a hospital official confirmed on Monday.

Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira had earlier said the hospital informed them at midnight on Saturday that Kariuki had been declared brain dead and was being kept alive by machines.

Two police officers captured on video during the incident—Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono—were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on June 18 and detained at Capitol Hill Police Station.

They have been in custody since June 19 for a 15-day period as investigations continue.

The officers are likely to face murder charges, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) leading the probe.

The DCI had applied for an additional 21 days to complete investigations, which include ballistic analysis of the officers' firearms, forensic review of CCTV footage, scene sample analysis by the Government Chemist, and recording of witness statements.

According to Corporal Nahshon Zoka from the DCI's Homicide Bureau, Kariuki was rescued by good Samaritans and taken to KNH where he underwent emergency surgery but never regained consciousness.

The shooting, widely circulated on social media, drew public outrage and has become a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about police brutality and accountability during protests.