NAIROBI, Kenya – A team of neurosurgeons at KNH successfully removed a bullet lodged in the left side of Kariuki’s head in a complex emergency operation performed Tuesday night.
Kariuki was shot by police on Moi Avenue while selling masks during demonstrations calling for justice over the controversial death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody.
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Sigilai said Kariuki was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a severe head injury.
He was initially treated at a clinic in the Central Business District before being referred to the national referral facility.
“Upon arrival at the Accident and Emergency Centre, he was critically ill with a wound on the left side of his head, bleeding, and signs of severe brain injury,” said Dr. Sigilai during a press briefing on Wednesday.
A CT scan confirmed that a bullet had penetrated the left side of his skull.
The hospital’s emergency team, led by Dr. Janet Sugut, stabilised him and placed him on life support before preparing him for surgery.
At 8:50 p.m., a multidisciplinary team led by neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru conducted a two-hour operation to remove the bullet.
Kariuki was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remains under close monitoring.
“While his condition is still critical, the patient is alive and receiving round-the-clock care,” Dr. Sigilai added.
Kariuki’s shooting has sparked national outrage after a video showing a police officer beating and shooting him at close range went viral on social media.
The protests, sparked by the death of Ojwang at Central Police Station, had drawn widespread condemnation from civil society, the legal fraternity, and foreign missions.
KNH also reported that it received 16 patients linked to Tuesday’s protests. According to Dr. Sigilai, the injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma.
“Seven of the 16 patients were admitted, nine were treated and discharged, two underwent surgery, and four more are scheduled for operations today,” he said.
One patient remains unidentified after sustaining a skull fracture reportedly caused by an assault.
