Boniface Kariuki, the young hawker who was fatally shot by police during the June 17 protests in Nairobi’s CBD, will be buried today in his hometown of Kangema, Murang’a County. His tragic death has become a powerful symbol in the nationwide push against police brutality.
Highlights:
- Boniface Kariuki, shot during Gen Z-led protests, will be buried in Kangema today
- The 22-year-old was hit by a police bullet to the head during demonstrations in Nairobi
- His funeral comes amid ongoing calls for justice and police accountability
- Murder charges have been approved against the officer accused of shooting him
Main Story:
The family and community of Boniface Kariuki gather in Kangema, Murang’a County, to bury a son, friend, and fellow hustler whose life was cut short in the most public and painful way possible. Boniface, a 22-year-old face mask vendor, became one of the most visible casualties of the youth-led protests that swept across Kenya in June 2025.
On June 17, during the “Occupy Parliament” demonstrations in Nairobi’s central business district, Boniface was shot in the head by a police officer. He had been caught up in the chaos while selling his masks on the street — an ordinary day turned fatal. He was rushed to hospital and placed on life support, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Public pressure and widespread outrage forced swift action. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has since approved murder charges against Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa, who allegedly pulled the trigger. Another officer who was arrested alongside him was released.
As Boniface’s body is laid to rest today, mourners in Kangema are gathering under the watchful eye of a heavy police presence. Emotions are raw, with many in the community expressing frustration over the continued use of excessive force by security officers, especially during protests.
Boniface’s death, alongside other violent incidents linked to the June and July protests, has fueled the national conversation on police brutality, youth rights, and state accountability. For many, his name now stands as a painful reminder of what’s at stake in Kenya’s struggle for justice.
Even in silence, Boniface Kariuki’s name continues to speak — of injustice, of youth resilience, and of a Kenya that refuses to forget.
