Father of Shot Protest Victim Scammed Ksh200K by Fake Health Officials

In the wake of nationwide protests that have left families grieving and communities in distress, one father’s tragedy has been compounded by a cruel scam. Jonah Kariuki, whose 22-year-old son Boniface was shot in the head during the June 17 demonstrations, is now grappling with a fresh blow, being conned out of Ksh200,000 by individuals posing as government health officials. 

According to the family’s spokesperson, Emily Wanjiru, Kariuki was contacted by individuals claiming to work with the Social Health Authority (SHA). The scammers told him they would help clear Boniface’s hospital bills if the family agreed to enroll in the SHA program. 

Believing he was receiving genuine support, Kariuki followed their instructions. He was told that a small fee was required to process the registration. The fraudsters convinced him to share his personal details, including his M-Pesa PIN. 

“I was asked to send Ksh20,500,” Kariuki told Kenyans.co.ke. “But during the transaction, I accidentally sent Ksh200,500. By the time I realized it, it was too late.” 

The scammers quickly switched off their phones and erased all evidence, including the M-Pesa transaction message. Kariuki’s attempts to recover the stolen funds have so far been unsuccessful, but he says he is now working with authorities to track down the perpetrators. 

This heartbreaking incident comes as Boniface, a mask vendor, fights for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital. He has already undergone two surgeries to remove bullet fragments lodged in his head. According to medical reports, Boniface was brought to KNH’s Accident and Emergency unit at 3:16 PM on the day of the protests in a critical condition. 

The family has announced plans to hold a press briefing outside the hospital to update the public on Boniface’s health and to raise awareness about the increasing cases of fraud targeting vulnerable families. 

Kenyans are reminded that registration with the Social Health Authority is completely free. No money or PIN codes should be shared with anyone claiming to offer registration services. Official registration can be done via USSD, online platforms, or through employers. 

As the nation continues to process the emotional and political weight of the protests, Kariuki’s story serves as a painful reminder of how far bad actors will go to exploit those in crisis.