Boniface Kariuki

Boniface Mwangi Kariuki – Shot During 2025 Gen Z Protests

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

📅 Incident Overview

• Incident Details:

Kariuki was selling face masks near protest activity and was not participating in demonstrations. Amid a crackdown, a police officer reportedly shot him in the head at point-blank range. He was captured on video and remained on life support at Kenyatta National Hospital.

• Date of Death: June 30, 2025

 Doctors declared him brain-dead; he later passed away.

⚖️ Legal Action & Response

• 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.

• 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

• Kariuki’s funeral was held on July 11, 2025, in Kangema, drawing hundreds of mourners and becoming a flashpoint for renewed protests.

• Youth activists launched the #MaskFriday campaign to honor him, calling on police restraint and justice for protest victims.

• His death reignited nationwide outrage and broadened calls for police reform and accountability.

📊 Summary Table

Attribute	Details
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

• AP News – Kenyan civilian shot at close range by police during protests dies
• AP News – Funeral of Kenyan civilian shot dead by police
• Reuters – Kenya opposition leaders demand president's resignation
• KBC Digital – Kariuki to be buried in Kangema, DPP charges approved
• Capital News – Govt waives medical bills for protest victims
• The Star – Murang’a County leaders mourn Kariuki, condemn police
• Standard Media – Grief as Kariuki dies after ICU treatment
• Capital FM – #MaskFriday launched in Kariuki's honor
• KBC Digital – Court proceedings and officer charges
• ICJ-Kenya – Statement calling for independent probe

🌍 Related Pages

• 2025 Kenyan Protests
• Police Brutality in Kenya
• Fallen Comrades
• Shoot to Kill Directives in Kenya