Boniface Kariuki, a 24-year-old mask seller, has died after being shot by police during Nairobi’s anti-government protests on June 17. His family confirmed his death on Sunday, June 30, marking another tragic loss in Kenya’s ongoing crisis over police brutality.
For two weeks, Boniface lay in a critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital, his body fighting but his brain no longer functioning. Doctors declared him brain dead on Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon, his heart stopped.
His death has reignited fury across Kenya, with human rights groups, activists, and even former Chief Justice David Maraga condemning the shooting.
A Young Man Just Trying to Survive
Boniface was not a protester. He was a trader at Gikomba Market, selling masks to scrape together a living in Nairobi’s unforgiving economy. On the day he was shot, he was at work when police opened fire on crowds during demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Eyewitnesses say officers fired directly into his head at closing range. A bullet struck Boniface in the head.
“He was just trying to make an honest living,” his father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, told reporters outside the hospital. “Now he’s gone, and we want answers.”
‘Brain Dead, But His Heart Was Still Beating’
For days, Boniface’s family held onto hope. But on Saturday night, doctors delivered the crushing news: his brain had shut down.
“They told us he was brain dead, but his heart was still beating,” Jonah said, his voice breaking. “We knew what that meant. We were just waiting for the end.”
Less than 24 hours later, Boniface was gone.
Outrage Grows Over Police Brutality
His death has become a rallying cry against police violence. Videos from the protests show officers shooting directly at civilians, sparking national outrage.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened an investigation, but activists say justice is moving too slowly.
“How many more must die before something is done?” asked activist Okiya Omtatah, who visited Boniface in the hospital. “This was not an accident. This was murder.”
Family Demands Accountability
Emily Wanjira, a relative speaking for the family, said they want the officer responsible identified and prosecuted.
“Boniface did nothing wrong. He was working,” she said. “The government must take responsibility.”
Funeral arrangements are underway, but the family says they will not rest until justice is served.
Former Chief Justice Speaks Out
Even Kenya’s former top judge, David Maraga, has weighed in, calling the shooting a sign of a “reckless regime.”
In a scathing statement, Maraga wrote:
“The point-blank shooting of Boniface while selling masks underscores that no one is safe with a regime that has zero regard for human life. We must restore Kenya to the rule of law.”
A Pattern of Deadly Force
Boniface’s death is not an isolated case. Human rights groups say at least 40 people have been killed by police since the protests began. Many, like Boniface, were bystanders.
Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have called for immediate action, but so far, no officers have been charged.
What Happens Next?
With public anger growing, pressure is mounting on President William Ruto’s government to act. IPOA says its investigation is ongoing, but critics argue that past cases have been buried without accountability.
For now, Boniface’s family is left grieving—a young life cut short, another name added to Kenya’s long list of police brutality victims.
As protests continue, one question remains: How many more will die before justice is served?
