NAIROBI, Kenya— President William Ruto has donated Sh1 million to the family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki to support funeral arrangements following the hawker’s death after being shot during anti-government protests in Nairobi.
The contribution was delivered on Wednesday by Murang’a MPs Peter Irungu Kihungi (Kangema), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), and Betty Maina (Woman Rep), who visited the family in Murang’a to offer their condolences on behalf of the president.
“We spent time with the family, listened to their pain, and assured them of our full support,” Kihungi said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page.
Kihungi added that one of the main concerns raised during the visit was the family’s inability to record a statement with police—an essential step in the pursuit of justice.
He noted that a representative from the office of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo committed to fast-tracking the process.
“We will not rest until justice is done,” he said.
Mourning a ‘Dedicated Hustler’
Betty Maina described Mwangi as a “hardworking hawker” who was simply trying to make an honest living before his life was cut short.
“It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one under such painful and unjust circumstances,” she said. “We must relentlessly pursue justice for Boniface while calling on our police officers to exercise restraint and protect—not harm—innocent Kenyans.”
Mwangi was shot at close range on June 17 during a protest in Nairobi’s central business district and had been admitted to the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital since the incident.
He succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 30, at 3:15 p.m., according to family spokesperson Emily Wanjira and hospital officials.
Two police officers linked to the shooting — an incident captured on video and widely circulated on social media — have since been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The killing has sparked national outrage and added to growing scrutiny over the conduct of security agencies during recent demonstrations.
