Eric Omondi is urging Kenyans to wear face masks this Friday to honour Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi mask vendor tragically shot by police during anti-brutality protests. In a passionate message, Omondi called for a peaceful, symbolic gesture to remember a man who died hustling, not fighting.
Highlights
- Boniface Kariuki, a popular mask vendor, was shot by police during Nairobi protests.
- Eric Omondi announced “Mask Friday” as a national tribute to Kariuki’s life and hustle.
- Kenyans are encouraged to wear face masks to school, work, or market in solidarity.
- The incident has reignited public outrage over police violence against unarmed citizens.
- A makeshift memorial now stands near Imenti House where Kariuki was shot.
Main Story
Boniface Kariuki, known to many in Nairobi’s CBD for selling face masks, was shot during recent protests. Witnesses say police fired at him in broad daylight, even though he was unarmed and only carrying the masks he sold daily to survive.
Moved by the injustice, comedian and activist Eric Omondi took to Instagram to announce “Mask Friday.” He urged Kenyans to wear masks as a powerful, peaceful tribute.
The movement has since gained traction online, with the hashtag #MaskFriday spreading across platforms as citizens prepare to show solidarity in the simplest of ways, by wearing a mask.
Outside Imenti House, where Kariuki was shot, Nairobians have created a heartfelt tribute. Flowers, stones, and his remaining masks have been placed there, turning the sidewalk into a shrine that captures a nation’s heartbreak.
Boniface’s incident has become more than a tragedy, it’s now a symbol. One of many Kenyan hustlers navigating life under hardship, his shooting has reignited frustration over unchecked police violence. Omondi’s call to action reflects a growing public demand for dignity, justice, and reform.
Sometimes, resistance comes not in chants or marches but in the quiet act of remembrance. This Friday, one mask could speak louder than a thousand words.
