Street vendor shot in Kenya brain dead —Family

 A street vendor shot in the head by police during protests about two weeks ago has been declared brain dead in hospital, his family has said.

Boniface Kariuki’s family said medics had informed them that his brain had ceased to function, although his heart was beating with life-machine support.

“We know what it means. We are just waiting for the doctor to tell us he is no more,” family spokesperson Emily Wanjira told journalists.

Mr Kariuki, 22, was caught in the crossfire when police cracked down on a protest in the capital Nairobi against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, 31.

Mr Kariuki, a mask vendor, was shot at close range on June 17, and was admitted to the main public referral hospi­tal in Nairobi for treatment.

Doctors have carried out several operations since his admission but some bullet fragments are reportedly still lodged in his brain.

News that he was brain dead has sparked further public anger over alleged po­lice brutality, with increasing demands for justice.

Many Kenyans have also urged the government to settle the rising hospital bill after Mr Kariuki’s family appealed for public donations.

Two police officers have appeared in court over his shooting, but have not yet been asked to pleas. They remain in custody pending the outcome of investigations.

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