MURANG’A, Kenya — Emotions ran high on Friday as family, friends, and community members gathered in Murang’a County to bid farewell to Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old mask vendor who was fatally shot by police during the June 25 protests in Nairobi.
Kariuki, described by loved ones as humble, hardworking, and kind-hearted, was laid to rest amid growing outrage over his death, which has become a symbol of police brutality in the ongoing Gen Z-led demonstrations.
The somber ceremony was attended by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and a host of other leaders who joined the family in mourning and condemning the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters.
“It has been very difficult for us, but with God we know we are going to win,” said a family member during the service, fighting back tears. “It was painful, and we do not want to discuss more about how he was robbed of his life.”
Kariuki was shot at close range by a police officer while reportedly selling face masks in the city centre as protests over government policies and police conduct erupted nationwide.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, but succumbed to his injuries on June 30 at 3:15 p.m.
His burial comes just days after widespread calls for police accountability following the deaths of at least 31 protesters, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Kariuki’s family is now demanding justice, joining a growing chorus of Kenyans urging the government to take responsibility and end the cycle of state violence.
