Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot at close range by a police officer during protests on June 17, died from a severe head injury, an autopsy report has confirmed.
The revelation was made on Thursday, July 3, by pathologist Peter Ndegwa, who was sought by Kariuki's family to help with the post-mortem because of the delicate nature of the case.
"We have come to the conclusion that the cause of death was severe head injuries due to a single gunshot," Ndegwa said.
According to the report, which was compiled with the help of government pathologist Bernard Midia, Kariuki had four bullet fragments in his brain. This was in addition to two bullet fragments which doctors managed to take out while he was still alive.
Ndegwa added, "The brain is quite disturbed, and the chances of survival were minimal. The operation, which was done to remove some of the bullet fragments, still left some particles in the brain."
The pathologist’s report also confirmed the authenticity of the video showing a police officer firing a single shot that struck the late Kariuki in the head, noting that he was shot at close range and the bullet caused fatal head trauma.
Detectives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) were also present at the autopsy and are expected to submit their final findings to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Kariuki was confirmed dead on Monday, June 30 by his father Jonah, who said the hawker died at around 3:15 pm. His death followed weeks of treatment in the wake of the shooting incident.
Before his death, Kariuki's sister revealed that Kariuki had been declared brain dead after spending more than a week in intensive care.
Following the autopsy, Kariuki's burial is set to take place on Friday, July 11, in Kangema.
President William Ruto has reportedly donated Ksh1 million to Kariuki's family. The donation was presented to the family by Kangema MP, Peter Irungu Kihungi,
Meanwhile, the two police officers linked to the shooting were arraigned on Thursday, June 5, but the hearing was adjourned to allow for the amendment of charges from grievous harm to murder.
