Two police officers have been suspended after a hawker, Boniface Kariuki, was shot during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the interdiction of Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono. The two are now under investigation by the Homicide Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters.

Kariuki, who sells face masks in the Nairobi CBD, was shot while going about his business as protests erupted. The demonstrations were sparked by public anger over the death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.

NPS issued a public statement expressing regret over the shooting and promised full cooperation with ongoing investigations. “The National Police Service deeply regrets this act and commiserates with the victim and his family,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served.”

At Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kariuki remains in critical condition but is alive and being closely monitored.

Hospital CEO Dr. William Sigilai said Kariuki was brought in from a local clinic with a gunshot wound to the head. He was in serious condition, bleeding heavily.

“A CT scan revealed a bullet lodged in the left side of his head,” said Dr. Sigilai.

A team of doctors, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru, performed emergency surgery at 8:50 p.m. The two-hour operation successfully removed what is believed to be a bullet. Kariuki was then placed in the Intensive Care Unit.

KNH confirmed that although he is still in critical condition, he is under close observation and receiving continuous care from specialists.