Eric Omondi seeks help to find mother of hawker shot during Tuesday protest
Kenyan veteran comedian and humanitarian activist Eric Omondi has launched a public appeal to trace the mother of Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot during the Tuesday, June 17, 2025, protest in Nairobi.
Taking to his official social media account, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Omondi appealed to Kenyans to help him locate Kariuki’s mother.
“This is Boniface Kariuki’s Mother. Please help me find her. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 I am told she is from Kangema, Murang’a County. If you have her number, please DM,” Eric appealed.
Kariuki’s condition
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, confirmed the condition of Kariuki, who is currently undergoing treatment in the facility.
KNH Chief Executive Officer William Sigilai revealed that the vendor had been referred to KNH from a private clinic within the CBD after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
He added that the hospital’s emergency team, led by Janet Sugut, stabilised the patient and placed him on life support. A CT scan later confirmed that a bullet had struck the left side of his skull.
“The patient was then prepared for emergency surgery. At around 8:50 pm, a multidisciplinary team led by neurosurgeon Sam Njiru conducted a complex operation that lasted about two hours,” Sigilai said.
“During the procedure, an object believed to be a bullet was removed. The patient was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he is being cared for.”
Shooting incident
Kariuki was shot while selling masks during the protest in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, after the death of teacher and X influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Following the incident, several human rights bodies and political leaders from both divisions have condemned the violence levelled against unarmed protesters.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who condemned the shooting of Kariuki, questioned the logic and training behind such police behaviour, especially in the wake of Ojwang’s death, which had already sparked national outrage.
“Today, we have witnessed one of the lowest moments of our post-independence, Kenya. It is uncivilised to sink our nation into an international shame by a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life,” the former DP stated.
“Young people and patriotic Kenyans expressing themselves on the death of an innocent Albert Ojwang have been beaten up, their property destroyed, and lives lost in the peaceful protests.”
