- Charles Owino is facing backlash after comments seen to justify a police shooting of a protester.
- He suggested the officer was provoked but admitted rubber bullets should have been used.
- His remarks have been called insensitive, especially as the victim, Boniface Kariuki, remains hospitalised.
- Public outcry is growing, with more calls for police accountability and justice for victims of brutality.
A disturbing video widely shared on social media shows Boniface Kariuki surrounded by police, one of whom takes aim and fires. He collapses instantly. The horror on the faces of bystanders and the screams that follow have made the clip a symbol of police violence during the Gen Z protests
Speaking to Citizen TV, Charles Owino claimed the whole thing was just a misunderstanding gone wrong. He alleged Kariuki had insulted the officer before the shooting. “If you listen carefully, you’ll hear that boy abusing the policeman,” Owino said.
While he didn’t defend the officer’s actions entirely, Owino stopped short of calling it a crime. He said the officer failed by using live ammunition, adding, “You’re an officer, you must have restraint… shoot him with a rubber bullet.”
Instead of holding the officer fully responsible, Owino seemed to suggest Kariuki shared part of the blame. “He’s a young officer,” Owino said. “If you abuse him… You know what can happen.” Many saw that as excusing violent behaviour by law enforcement.
Boniface’s father, outside Kenyatta National Hospital, spoke with emotion. “I’ve struggled to raise my son, and I am sad,” he said. “But his condition is stable. I pray he recovers.”
Former Chief Justice David Maraga was blunt in his reaction: “Boniface Kariuki was shot point blank, cold, without a drop of humanity.” He accused the government of deploying rogue officers to harass innocent Kenyans.
Civil rights groups, lawyers, and citizens are now demanding more than just internal reviews. They want prosecutions. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Interior Ministry are being urged to take real, transparent action.
Instead of calming the storm, Owino’s remarks have added to the public anger. Many believe his comments downplay police responsibility and dismiss the pain of victims like Kariuki. The country is still waiting for justice—and watching closely.
