A street vendor shot in the head by police during protests two weeks ago has died a day after being declared brain-dead in hospital, his family tells the BBC.

Boniface Kariuki’s family said earlier that medics had informed them the 22-year-old’s brain had ceased to function, although his heart was beating with life-machine support.

Mr Kariuki was caught in the crossfire when police cracked down on a protest in the capital Nairobi against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, 31.

Furious Kenyans say this is yet another example of the epidemic of police brutality that blights their lives, but the interior minister hit back calling protests “a coup attempt”.

Mr Kariuki, a mask vendor, was shot at close range on 17 June, and later admitted to the main public referral hospital in Nairobi for treatment.

Doctors had carried out several operations since his admission but some bullet fragments were reportedly still lodged in his brain.

News that he was brain dead had sparked further public anger over alleged police brutality, with increasing demands for justice.

Many Kenyans have also urged the government to settle the hospital bill after Mr Kariuki’s family had appealed for public donations.

Two police officers have appeared in court over his shooting, but have not yet been asked to pleas. They remain in custody pending the outcome of investigations.

Separately on Monday, a Kenyan High Court ordered Police Insp Gen Douglas Kanja to produce missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia within 24 hours, or appear in court the next day to explain his whereabouts.

He was reportedly detained by security officers last week but has not been seen since.

At least 19 people were killed during nationwide anti-government demonstrations last Wednesday, according to the state-funded rights body.

Kenya’s interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen, however, defended the police, describing the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent”.

He urged officers to “shoot on sight” civilians who attacked police stations, sparking further criticism from lawyers and rights groups.

On Sunday, Mr Kariuki’s family urged authorities to speed up investigations and ensure that justice takes place.

Six people – including three police officers – have been charged with murder over Mr Ojwang’s death in police custody.

His death forced Kenya’s deputy police chief Eliud Lagat to step aside, but many Kenyans are demanding his resignation.

Mr Ojwang was detained after Mr Lagat filed a complaint, accusing him of defaming him on social media.

An autopsy found that Mr Ojwang died of assault wounds. Mr Lagat has denied any wrongdoing.

DW News