Eric Omondi Visits Boniface Kariuki’s Mum, Asks Kenyans to Support Hawker’s Family

• Eric Omondi travelled to Murang’a to visit Boniface Kariuki Mwangi’s parents humble homestead and show support in person
• Boniface’s mum tearfully said he was her firstborn and the only one they depended on to survive
• The emotional video stirred Kenyans online, with many praising Eric and offering to help the family

Murang'a: Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi is once again at the forefront of a humanitarian call, this time rallying support for the family of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki.

Boniface is a hawker who was brutally shot by a police officer during anti-government protests in Nairobi’s CBD.

Following the tragic shooting incident that sparked public outrage across the country, Eric took to social media to ask Kenyans to help him trace Boniface’s family.

Hours later, under the cover of night, he travelled to the hawker’s rural home deep in the heart of Murang’a county.

In a touching video posted online, Eric was seen interacting with Boniface’s parents, Jonah Kariuki and Susan Nyambura.

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The couple, clearly devastated by the turn of events, opened their humble home to the activist and shared childhood photos of their son.

From the footage, it was evident that Boniface came from an extremely modest background.

His mother, struggling to contain her anguish, broke down in tears as she pleaded for prayers and support for her injured son.

“Boniface is my firstborn. I would like you to help me, even with prayers. Boni atapona, Mungu yuko,” she said, visibly shaken and in pain explaining that he is their sole bread winner.

The raw emotion captured in the moment touched Eric deeply, and moved Kenyans online, many of whom expressed solidarity and pledged support for the family.

“Last night I visited the mother and father of Boniface Kariuki deep in Murang’a county… Boniface comes from an extremely humble background. We are going to stand with this family,” Eric wrote.

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He continued:

“We are going to support them with the hospital bill, with a business for both the father and the mother and when Boni is discharged. We are going to stand with this family, Team Sisi kwa Sisi. Please send whatever you can to the mother’s number 0700 463254 (Susan Nyambura) or the father’s number 0726 116292 (Jonah Kariuki). God bless.”

Watch the video below:

Here are some comments from social media users:

Mc'Jajok Kessy:

"Let's stand with this family, fellow Kenyans."

Essy Kims:

"Team sisi kwa sisi we will chage the story there."

Rebecca Katela:

"We only got us and God."

Cecilia Felie:

"Another day cutting onions with strangers...may God bless you Eric Omondi."

Ariya Medinah:

"On 25th let's carry bible and pray to God to rescue us from all this, only He has the power sisi tumejaribu no one is above God."

Sheztah Khasoa:

"May God heal Boniface as he fights for his life."

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Carren Mwepesi:

"We trust in God Almighty . Boniface is healed in Jesus name."

What you need to know about Boniface Kariuki's shooting

• On June 17, Kenyans took to the streets to demand justice, calling for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over his alleged involvement in the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
• During the protests, a police officer, now identified as Klinzy Barasa, was caught on camera assaulting Boniface Kariuki before proceeding to shoot him in the head at close range.
• Well-wishers rushed Boniface to nearby hospitals, and he was later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent an emergency neurosurgical procedure.
• Hours later, his father confirmed that Boniface had survived the brutal attack and was recuperating, expressing hope for his full recovery.

Were police who shot Nairobi hawker interdicted?

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Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) interdicted the two officers connected to the shooting of Boniface.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga criticised the act, describing it as unjustifiable.

He conveyed the service’s regret over the incident and offered heartfelt sympathy to Boniface and his family.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke