How Shot Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki's Father Lost Ksh200,000 To Scammers

The scammers promised financial help with Boniface’s hospital bills.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jun 21, 2025 - 13:37
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How Shot Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki's Father Lost Ksh200,000 To Scammers
Jonah Kariuki, father to Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot by police in Nairobi CBD, addresses the press on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. /OKIYA OMTATAH

Boniface Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki, has fallen victim to a scam, losing Ksh200,000 to fraudsters who pretended to be officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) and comedian Eric Omondi.

According to family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru, the scammers promised financial help with Boniface’s hospital bills. Jonah received a call from someone impersonating Eric Omondi, claiming he and SHA officials would assist in covering the medical expenses.

During the call, the fraudsters convinced Jonah to share his M-Pesa account details — including his PIN — under the guise of needing a small fee to “register” SHA. That’s how they gained access and emptied his account.

Father of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot by police in Nairobi CBD, addresses the press on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. /OKIYA OMTATAH

The stolen funds had been contributed by well-wishers following the police shooting of Boniface during Tuesday’s protests. Wanjiru also said the scammers hacked Jonah’s phone, disabling the M-Pesa app entirely.

In response, the family plans to set up a Paybill number to allow Kenyans to send support directly. They had called a press conference at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) today, Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 12 noon. 

Boniface’s parents, John Kariuki and Susan Njeri, were set to give an update on his condition, joined by the family’s legal team and representatives from the Hawkers Association.

Kenyans should stay alert to scammers and remember that registering for SHA is completely free. There are three official ways to sign up: through USSD (which doesn’t require internet), online registration, or via an employer if you're registering through a business.

Boniface recently underwent a second surgery on Thursday night. His father reported Friday morning that his condition remains critical.

Boniface was shot on camera by police during protests while selling masks. The two officers involved — Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono — were arrested immediately and interdicted. They were arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, June 19, to face charges related to the shooting.

The court, led by Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, ordered the two be held at the Capitol Hill Police Station as investigations continue. They have also been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the case.

Screengrabs of two anti-riot police officers harassing a protester before shooting him. /DAILY TRENDS EAST AFRICA

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