Boniface Kariuki Kenyan Street Vendor Shot by Police During Protests Passes Away
The family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a 22-year-old street vendor who was shot at close range by a police officer during recent protests, has announced his death on Monday afternoon.
Kariuki suffered a gunshot wound to the head while reportedly acting as an observer during demonstrations sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Details Surrounding His Death
On Sunday, family spokesperson Emily Wanjira stated that doctors had pronounced Kariuki “brain dead,” as reported by Kenyan newspaper The Standard. She confirmed his passing the following day.
The incident, witnessed by DW’s Nairobi correspondent Felix Maringa, has reignited public outrage regarding police violence in Kenya. Reports reveal that two officers repeatedly assaulted Kariuki before one shot him with a long-barreled weapon as he attempted to escape.
He remained on life support for nearly two weeks until medical staff informed his family that although his heart was still beating, there was no brain activity.
Two officers were arrested concerning Kariuki’s shooting on June 17; additionally, six individuals—three of whom are police officers—are facing charges related to Ojwang’s death.
Underlying Unrest in Kenya
Kariuki’s death aligns with escalating unrest across Kenya that has turned violent. Protests initially began in remembrance of last year’s anti-tax demonstrations but devolved into chaos due to clashes and looting within Nairobi’s business district.
According to the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights, at least 19 people have died and more than 500 have sustained injuries amid what the interior minister describes as an “attempted coup.” Police have apprehended 485 individuals on various charges including murder and terrorism.
Despite President William Ruto’s commitment to reducing police brutality, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen incited further anger last week by directing officers to “shoot on sight” anyone approaching police stations during protests.
The Kenya Law Society condemned these remarks as unlawful and warned that any excessive use of force would be seen as premeditated criminal conduct.
Human rights organizations continue to call for accountability and demand an end to unlawful arrests, detentions, and alleged torture of those opposing the government.
