Muthee Kiengei Heartbroken after Learning Boniface Kariuki Was JCM Member, Says He'll Lead Burial

• Bishop Muthee Kiengei revealed news that caught even him off guard, saying a church member had been shot by police
• The young man in question is none other than Boniface Kariuki, the hawker who was shot in the head during the protests while selling masks
• The preacher shared that he had only recently learned the victim was a church member and that he would be presiding over the burial

Popular televangelist Bishop Muthee Kiengei was overcome with emotion during a recent sermon after discovering that Boniface Kariuki, the hawker who was shot in the head during recent protests, was a member of his church.

Kiengei, who had dedicated his service to praying for the country amidst the ongoing unrest, broke down in tears as he reflected on the lives lost during the demonstrations.

Was Boniface Kariuki a member of JCM?

In his words:

"We have buried so many. This week, I did not even know, but one of them who was killed was a member of JCM. I will bury the young man who was shot in the head on Friday. I did not know, he was our member from Maragua. He even had a membership card," Kiengei revealed tearfully.

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The preacher admitted that the information came to light during the formation of the burial committee, adding:

"Hii kitu inaumiza... you never know how close these things can hit."

Kariuki’s death sparked nationwide outrage, particularly after video footage emerged showing that he was unarmed and selling masks to demonstrators when police opened fire.

The protesters had gathered to demand justice for slain blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.

Kariuki was declared brain dead following the shooting and succumbed to his injuries days later.

Watch the video below:

How did Kenyans react?

Here are some reactions from social media users:

Nancy Njoroge:

"GOD have mercy upon our young ones n heal our country."

Mirriam Juma:

"Na Leo tena ni sabasaba."

Shilah Cheptap Kerichek:

"Pole Sana may he rest in peace."

Liz Mwangi:

"Wooiii 😭 pole kwa familia."

Lydiah Kigumo:

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"Wuui aki ni ukweli inatuguza sisi wote."

Faith Rurayau:

"Poleni sana pamoja na familia."

Mwari Wa Ngigi Lucy:

"May God 🙏 restore our country."

Jackson Locals:

"So long as the youths of this country purporting to call themselves Gen Z don't respect our law enforcement officers, prepare to bury more of them next week.we can't allow individuals using the youth of Kenya to destroy what we have built for over 60 years and trying to get power through the back door.burning police stations, people's properties and stoning our security officers is a big NO."

How did Mike Sonko help Boniface Kariuki's family?

In another story, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko extended a helping hand to Kariuki's family as they prepared for his burial.

Sonko committed to handling key expenses, including transportation, medical-related costs, a sleek hearse, and a white coffin.

He also dispatched his medical team to offer support during the burial.

As part of his contribution, he promised to buy a burial suit for Kariuki and sent KSh 150,000 to help with food expenses, boosting the family’s existing funds of KSh 100,000.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke