Revision as of 22:22, 17 July 2025

Boniface Mwangi Kariuki – Shot During 2025 Gen Z Protests

Boniface Mwangi Kariuki (c. 2003–2025) was a face-mask vendor in Nairobi who became a prominent symbol of police brutality after being shot at close range during Gen Z-led protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.

Date of Death: June 30, 2025

Doctors declared him brain-dead; he passed away shortly after.

Legal Action and Government Response

Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa was arrested and charged with murder.
Another officer, Duncan Kiprono, was detained but later released.
The Ministry of Health announced that Kariuki’s medical bills (over KSh 800,000) would be waived.

Public and Civil Society Reaction

Civil society organizations and Murang’a County leaders condemned the shooting.
ICJ-Kenya and KNCHR called for an independent investigation.

Legacy and Commemoration

Kariuki's funeral was held on July 11, 2025, in Kangema.
Youth activists launched the "#MaskFriday" campaign in his honor.
His death led to renewed nationwide protests and calls for police reform.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== ⚖️ Legal Action & Response ==
+= Boniface Mwangi Kariuki – Shot During 2025 Gen Z Protests =
-* '''Arrests:''' Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa was arrested and charged with murder; another officer (Duncan Kiprono) was initially detained but released due to insufficient evidence.
-* '''Government Response:''' Health CS Aden Duale announced that KNH medical bills, including over KSh 800,000 for Kariuki, would be waived.
+'''Boniface Mwangi Kariuki''' (c. 2003–2025) was a face-mask vendor in Nairobi who became a prominent symbol of police brutality after being shot at close range during Gen Z-led protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
-* '''Public & Civil Society Reaction:''' Murang’a County leaders and civil society strongly condemned the shooting as an egregious misuse of force. ICJ-Kenya and KNCHR called for an independent investigation into the incident.
-== 🕊️ Legacy & Commemoration ==
+* '''Date of Death:''' June 30, 2025
-* Kariuki’s funeral was held on July 11, 2025, in Kangema, drawing hundreds of mourners and becoming a flashpoint for renewed protests.
+Doctors declared him brain-dead; he passed away shortly after.
-* Youth activists launched the '''#MaskFriday''' campaign to honor him, calling on police restraint and justice for protest victims.
+== Legal Action and Government Response ==
+* Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa was arrested and charged with murder.
+* Another officer, Duncan Kiprono, was detained but later released.
+* The Ministry of Health announced that Kariuki’s medical bills (over KSh 800,000) would be waived.
-* His death reignited nationwide outrage and broadened calls for police reform and accountability.
+== Public and Civil Society Reaction ==
+* Civil society organizations and Murang’a County leaders condemned the shooting.
+* ICJ-Kenya and KNCHR called for an independent investigation.
-== 📊 Summary Table ==
+== Legacy and Commemoration ==
-{| class="wikitable"
+* Kariuki's funeral was held on July 11, 2025, in Kangema.
-! Attribute !! Details
+* Youth activists launched the "#MaskFriday" campaign in his honor.
-|-
+* His death led to renewed nationwide protests and calls for police reform.
-| Age || Approximately 22 years old
-|-
-| Role || Mask vendor, bystander (not a demonstrator)
-|-
-| Cause of Death || Gunshot to the head by police during protest
-|-
-| Legal Status || Murder charges filed; court proceedings ongoing
-|-
-| Commemoration || Funeral in Kangema with thousands in attendance; youth activism
-|}
-== 📚 References ==
+== References ==
-* [https://apnews.com/article/kenya-police-shooting-protest-2025 AP News – Kenyan civilian shot at close range by police during protests dies]
+* [https://apnews.com/article/kenya-police-shooting-protest-2025 AP News – Civilian shot at close range by police during protests dies]
-* [https://apnews.com/article/kenya-funeral-protest-victim-photos-2025 AP News – Funeral of Kenyan civilian shot dead by police]
+* [https://apnews.com/article/kenya-funeral-protest-victim-photos-2025 AP News – Funeral photos of Kenyan protest victim]
-* [https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-protests-2025 Reuters – Kenya opposition leaders demand president's resignation]
+* [https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-protests-2025 Reuters – Kenya opposition demands president's resignation]
-* [https://www.kbc.co.ke/kariuki-burial-kangema-2025 KBC Digital – Kariuki to be buried in Kangema, DPP charges approved]
+* [https://www.kbc.co.ke/kariuki-burial-kangema-2025 KBC Digital – Kariuki's funeral and legal proceedings]
-* [https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/kenya-protests-medical-bills Capital News – Govt waives medical bills for protest victims]
+* [https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/kenya-protests-medical-bills Capital FM – Government waives medical bills for victims]
-* [https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/muranga-leaders-condemn-police The Star – Murang’a County leaders mourn Kariuki, condemn police]
+* [https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001499996/boniface-kariuki-funeral Standard Media – Grief as Kariuki dies in ICU]
-* [https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/kenya/article/2001499996/boniface-kariuki-funeral Standard Media – Grief as Kariuki dies after ICU treatment]
+* [https://www.icj-kenya.org ICJ-Kenya – Statement on investigation call]
-* [https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/kenya/maskfriday-solidarity-protest Capital FM – #MaskFriday launched in Kariuki's honor]
-* [https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenya-police-shooting-court-case KBC Digital – Court proceedings and officer charges]
-* [https://icj-kenya.org/kenya-police-accountability-june-2025 ICJ-Kenya – Statement calling for independent probe]
-== 🌍 Related Pages ==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[2025 Kenyan Protests]]
-* [[Police Brutality in Kenya]]
+* [[Fallen Comrades]]
-* [[Fallen Comrades]]
+* [[Police Brutality in Kenya]]
 * [[Shoot to Kill Directives in Kenya]]