Boniface Kariuki
⚠️ More Information Required
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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
- Date Shot: June 17, 2025
- Place: Moi Avenue, Nairobi CBD
- 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