Hundreds of mourners gathered in the town of Murang’a on Friday to bid farewell to Boniface Kariuki, a 23-year-old street vendor who was shot dead by police during anti-government protests in Nairobi.
His killing, captured by journalists on June 17, has turned him into a powerful symbol of a youth uprising against systemic police brutality and government impunity.
Kariuki, who sold phone accessories on the streets to support his family, joined peaceful demonstrators that day in a call for economic reform and accountability.
Moments later, he was fatally shot in the head at close range. The video of his death sparked outrage across the nation.
“The police are supposed to protect us, but they turn their weapons against us. What are we to conclude from this?” asked Ben Gitoho, his cousin. “This kind of tragedy must never happen again. The government must take responsibility and compensate the family.”
Public anger continues to swell in Kenya, with protestors condemning the administration of President William Ruto.
Weeks of demonstrations, driven by frustration over corruption, inflation, and police repression, have rocked the country.
Ruto’s controversial remarks urging police to “shoot protesters in the legs” have drawn sharp rebukes from rights groups and the international community.
“This type of rhetoric institutionalizes police brutality,” said Wanjiru Ndugu of Human Rights Watch Kenya.
“You don’t control a population with bullets, especially when they are demonstrating for their fundamental rights.”
Boniface Kariuki’s death resonates deeply with Kenya’s disenfranchised youth, many of whom face rising unemployment and limited access to opportunity.
Amnesty International reports that over 50 people have been killed by security forces in Kenya in the past 18 months during protests and operations.
As the nation grieves, calls for urgent reform are growing louder. Civil society organisations are demanding an independent investigation into Kariuki’s killing and the immediate suspension of the officer responsible, whose identity remains undisclosed.
The European Union delegation in Nairobi urged “restraint, respect for human rights, and an end to the disproportionate use of force.”
Protesters have announced a national “Boniface March” on July 15 in memory of the slain vendor. “Boniface died so that our voices would be heard,” said Mary Atieno, a protester at the funeral. “We will not let his sacrifice be forgotten.”
About The Author
