Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has asked Kenyans across the country to wear masks today, Friday, in honour of Boniface Kariuki, who was shot at close range by police while selling masks during Tuesday’s protest in Nairobi.

“I am calling upon Kenyans all over the country, this Friday let’s all wear masks in solidarity with our brother Boniface Kariuki,” Omondi said in a statement posted on X.

Kariuki was part of a protest that was demanding justice for the late blogger Albert Ojwang when he was attacked by police officers.

He was dressed in a blue jacket, brown cap, grey trousers and brown shoes, and was unarmed at the time.

Witnesses say two officers confronted him—one slapped him while the other hit him with the butt of a gun. The first officer then raised his firearm and shot him at close range. The officers walked away as protesters tried to question them.

Kariuki was left on the ground with a shattered head and blood pouring from his wound as bystanders rushed to help. He was later taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.

A fellow vendor who was also selling masks broke down at the scene, saying, “He has never taken anything from anyone; he has never stolen. He was selling masks. He has not killed, what will his family say when he is?”

The shooting has stirred widespread anger, with leaders and citizens condemning the police for using excessive force. Many have expressed frustration over what they say is a pattern of brutality targeting unarmed protesters and innocent Kenyans.

On Thursday, a Nairobi Court has allowed a 15-day detention of two police officers accused of shooting an unarmed protester during Tuesday’s demonstrations, as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) concludes probe.

The officers Vincent Kiprono and Masinde Barasa who were produced before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi adopted consent by the prosecution and defense without allowing arguments on the application seeking detention.

Prosecuting counsel Victor Owiti told the court that they agreed with the defense Lawyers Vincent Yegon and Abdulzhack that the officers be remanded for a period of 15 days instead of 21 days sought by IPOA.

The court, in adapting the consent, directed the matter be mentioned on July 3 to confirm the progress of the Investigations.

The officers are being investigated over the shooting a hawker who is currently admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Intensive care unit.