Jamaican dancehall artist Konshens has spoken out against police brutality in Kenya after a disturbing video surfaced showing a police officer shooting a young hawker in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The victim, Boniface Kariuki, was unarmed and selling masks near Imenti House when two officers confronted him during protests sparked by the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang.
The incident, which was captured on video by journalists and content creators, quickly went viral and provoked outrage both locally and internationally. Konshens, whose real name is Garfield Delano Spence, reposted the clip on his X (formerly Twitter) account with a powerful and concise caption: “Unarmed. Non threatening,” followed by an angry emoji. His reaction struck a chord with many Kenyans, who flooded his timeline with gratitude and calls for global solidarity.
Social media users praised the musician for amplifying the issue. One user, @WillieOeba, thanked him for standing with Kenyans,
while @slmshady21 shared a haunting message: “When the state drinks the blood of its people, justice dies of thirst.”
Others condemned the violent act, demanding justice and an end to unchecked police brutality. @dennis_nyoro called attention to the broader concern, stating, “Let it be known to the world that Ruto is making Kenya a militia state.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the police approached Kariuki, roughed him up, and then one officer shot him before leaving him motionless on the ground. The video shows another civilian watching in disbelief, hands clasped in helplessness, a moment that deeply moved many viewers online.
Despite early fears that Kariuki had died from the attack, his family later confirmed he survived after undergoing emergency surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital. His father, shaken and emotional, shared how he first learned of the shooting through the viral video before realizing the victim was his son.
The event has added fuel to ongoing national discussions around police accountability and human rights. Konshens’ response, while brief, helped thrust the issue into international focus, reinforcing his reputation as an artist who not only entertains but also uses his platform to support justice and marginalized communities.
By Risper Akinyi
