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Scammers Exploit Grieving Family Amid Hospital Crisis
The father of Boniface Kariuki has reportedly lost Ksh200,000 to fraudsters who posed as officials from the Street Hawkers Association (SHA) and popular content creator Eric Omondi.
According to family spokesperson Emily Wanjiru, the scammers promised financial support to cover Kariuki’s medical expenses at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he remains in the ICU following a police shooting.
How the Fraud Was Executed
Wanjiru explained that Jonah Kariuki, Boniface’s father, received a phone call from someone claiming to be Eric Omondi. The impersonator claimed they were collaborating with SHA to assist the family, requesting M-Pesa details to finalize a supposed registration process.
“Without hesitation, he provided his M-Pesa PIN. The money collected through public donations was wiped out,” Wanjiru said.
She added that the scammers even tampered with Jonah’s phone, disabling his M-Pesa app and leaving him locked out of the account.
Family Plans New Support Channel
The family now plans to launch an official Paybill number to collect donations from well-wishers and avoid similar incidents. A press briefing has been scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at 12 noon at KNH.
Boniface’s parents, Jonah Kariuki and Susan Njeri, along with their legal team and the Hawkers Association, are expected to update the public on his medical condition and appeal for public support.
Boniface Undergoes Second Surgery
The family confirmed that Boniface underwent a second surgical procedure on Thursday night. Speaking on Friday morning, his father stated, “He’s not doing well, but we are hopeful.”
Court Ruling on Arrested Officers
The officers involved in the shooting Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, June 19.
Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ruled that the two be held for 15 days at Capitol Hill Police Station pending investigations.
The two officers have been interdicted and are facing potential charges for the near-fatal shooting of Boniface during peaceful protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday.
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