Kang'ata vows justice for Boniface Kariuki killed by police

Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata on April 28, 2025, Nairobi. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has demanded justice for Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who died after being shot in the head by police during protests last month.

Kariuki, who sold masks on Nairobi streets, was shot at close range on Tuesday, June 17, outside Imenti House while demonstrations were ongoing.

Witnesses and journalists captured the incident showing Kariuki being shot on the left side of his face.

He was rushed to a health facility on Moi Avenue before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent two brain surgeries before he died on Monday, June 30, after nearly two weeks on life support.

Speaking during Kariuki's burial at Kanda grounds in Iyego, Kangema on Friday, July 11, Kang'ata called on the state to take responsibility for Kariuki's death.

"We as the people from the mountain, people from Murang'a, we are angry and we demand justice for Boniface. This government must take responsibility for the death of Boniface. We want to tell this government we shall not rest till we get justice for Boniface," said Kang'ata.

Kang'ata also urged the Wiper Democratic Movement to use its legal expertise to help Kariuki's family seek justice.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu were among the guests who attended the burial.