President William Ruto has contributed KSh1 million to aid the grieving family of Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old mask vendor who tragically lost his life after being fatally shot by anti-riot police on June 17 in Nairobi’s Central Business District. This donation, delivered through a delegation of elected leaders, comes just days before Boniface is scheduled to be laid to rest.
Boniface Kariuki’s death ignited a national outcry, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring issues surrounding police brutality in Kenya. During the widespread "Gen Z" protests that swept through the capital, Kariuki, an unarmed civilian reportedly selling face masks, was tragically shot at close range. The horrifying incident, captured on video and widely shared across social media, sparked immediate public condemnation and reignited calls for accountability within the police service. He succumbed to his injuries on June 30, after nearly two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, having been declared brain-dead.
The substantial KSh1 million donation, though yet to be formally acknowledged by the family, was delivered to Kariuki's rural home by a delegation led by Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina. She was accompanied by Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and Maragua MP Mary Maua. Their visit to the bereaved family was made on behalf of President Ruto, who is currently on an official trip to the United Kingdom, demonstrating a clear signal of government sympathy and concern.
The financial assistance arrives at a critical time for the Kariuki family, who had previously faced a mounting hospital bill exceeding KSh3.5 million due to Boniface’s extensive medical care following the shooting. While the donation addresses immediate financial burdens, the family's deeper plea for justice remains paramount.
Boniface Kariuki's burial is scheduled for next Friday, July 11. His passing adds a deeply personal tragedy to the broader narrative of public unrest and the tragic loss of life during recent demonstrations. These protests were initially sparked by concerns over alleged police brutality, particularly following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody – an incident that also ignited public fury. The subsequent shooting of Boniface Kariuki further intensified the public’s demand for thorough investigations and accountability for security forces. Indeed, two police officers have since been arrested in connection with Boniface Kariuki's shooting, underscoring the legal processes now in motion.
