Boniface Kariuki’s Father Conned Sh200,000 by Fraudster Pretending to be SHA Official

Jonah Kariuki, the father of 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki—who was shot in the head by police during anti-government protests in Nairobi—has fallen victim to fraudsters posing as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The scammers approached Kariuki under the pretense of helping him clear his son’s mounting medical bills and registering his family under the SHA program. In the process, they conned him out of Sh200,000.

“It was someone who told me he’s from SHA. He asked that I send him Sh20,500 to help me reduce the hospital bill, but the person I sent to deposit the money mistakenly sent Sh200,500,” he explained during a press conference at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where Boniface remains admitted.

Kariuki revealed that the hospital bill had already reached an estimated Sh1 million and continues to rise by the day.

“We don’t have the actual bill, but the preliminary bill was placed at around Sh1 million and it is still going up,” he said.

In response, online influencers and supporters have launched a crowdfunding campaign in a bid to help the family offset the growing medical expenses.

Kariuki noted that he had not yet managed to officially request a reversal of the fraudulent transaction from the service provider.

“I had gone to Safaricom but I did not get in because I was needed here [at KNH], but I have taken an OB [Occurrence Book entry], so I will return to have them give me the statement,” he added.

A family lawyer confirmed that the medical expenses currently stand at approximately Sh1 million, noting that there is still no detailed update on Boniface’s medical condition.

“We have not been told,” the lawyer said.

“But we have visited him and you can see that he is not responding, he’s just there. The situation that he was in is still the situation he is in now.”

Boniface was reportedly selling face masks near Imenti House on Moi Avenue on Tuesday, June 17, when he was shot at close range by a police officer during nationwide protests. The demonstrations erupted following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, triggering widespread outrage and demands for justice.

After the shooting, Boniface was first taken to a city clinic for emergency aid and later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He is currently in intensive care.

In connection with the shooting, two police officers—Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono—were arrested and charged in court. They remain in custody until July 3 as investigations continue.

The incident has drawn national condemnation, with demonstrators demanding justice not only for Boniface but also for Albert Ojwang. Human rights groups and legal bodies have called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible.