ACTIVISTS and the father of a Kenyan civilian shot at close range by police during protests demanded today justice and prosecution of the officer responsible.

Boniface Kariuki, 22, was shot in the head on Tuesday in Nairobi as hundreds took to the streets to demand justice for Albert Ojwang, a blogger who died in police custody last week. 

Mr Kariuki remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery on Tuesday night.

He was reportedly holding a packet of face masks when he was caught up in a confrontation with two officers. 

One of them, wearing a face covering, shot him as he walked away. Footage shows the officers leaving the scene after the shooting.

Police confirmed that the officer had been arrested.

The protests erupted in response to the death of Mr Ojwang, who was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya for allegedly spreading “false information” about a senior police officer on social media. 

Police claim that he died after “hitting his head against a cell wall,” but activists have questioned the official account and demanded an independent investigation.

Mr Kariuki’s father, Jonah, called for “individual responsibility” and said the officer who shot his son must be held accountable.

At least 11 people injured during Tuesday’s protests were taken to the national referral hospital, where a spokesperson confirmed several had sustained gunshot wounds.

In a statement today, Kenya’s judiciary said that it was committed to “upholding justice” in all cases, including those involving alleged police brutality.

Kenya has a long history of police violence, and President William Ruto previously pledged to end extrajudicial killings and reform policing. However, human rights groups say little has changed.

Last year, several activists were abducted and killed during demonstrations against the Finance Bill, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for Mr Ruto’s removal.