Nakuru cop Sammy Ondimu strongly condemns brutal police shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki

Nakuru police officer Sammy Ondimu Ngare has spoken out against the brutal shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki during anti-police protests in Nairobi.

The renowned officer branded the shooting a shameful act that has severely tarnished the image of the police service.

Ngare did not hold back in condemning the officer responsible for the shooting.

“To the officer who pulled that trigger, do you realise the damage you've done? Not just to a family, not just to a community, but to our entire image, our children’s trust, and our dignity as officers?”

Ngare, known for his community work and advocacy for police reform, in a statement noted that his daughter, Nyakerario, had urged him to stay safe amidst growing public anger directed at police officers.

Ngare admitted that the message left him in tears.

“I couldn’t even hold back tears. Because how do you explain to your child, who believes in you, that someone wearing the same uniform just shot an innocent man? How do I promise her she’s safe in a world where even the protectors have become the threat?” he wrote.

Boniface, a hawker from Makadara, was shot at close range by a masked and armed police officer while selling face masks on Moi Avenue during a protest sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.

The harrowing footage of Boniface’s shooting went viral, showing two officers confronting him before one opened fire, leaving him bleeding on the pavement as his wares scattered around him.

The officer involved has reportedly been arrested, and the case is under investigation.

He went on to express the internal conflict he faces as both a father and a police officer.

“I may be in uniform, but I’m also a dad. I’m a Kenyan. And tonight, I carry the shame of your actions. But I will not carry your silence. Justice must be done.”

Ngare also appealed to the public to remember that many police officers are also parents and citizens who believe in doing the right thing. However, he stressed that this should not excuse rogue officers from accountability.