Boniface Kariuki: Netizens React to News of Mask Vendor’s Death after Days on Life Support

• Boniface Kariuki was shot in the head during a protest in the Nairobi CBD just two weeks ago
• Kenyans were hopeful and praying that he would pull through, but after earlier information on his health, the end seemed inevitable
• The news about his demise has led netizens to react, with some demanding several things to be done now that he is no more

Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was shot in the head by a police officer during Albert Ojwang's protest, has died.

The young soul, who was caught in the exchange between police and protesters on June 17, has been on life support since then.

How did Boniface Kariuki die?

News of Kariuki's death was shared by the family through their spokesperson, Emily Wanjira.

She revealed that the young man died today, Monday, June 30, at exactly 3:15pm.

This was after she had earlier confirmed on Sunday, June 29, that Kariuki was declared brain dead by the doctors and was only surviving on life support.

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Boniface Kariuki: Confusion as Aden Duale, family present different bills for departed mask vendor

The news has left many Kenyans deeply saddened and without words, but they still had to mourn the young man while also demanding justice.

Here are some of the reactions seen on X (formerly Twitter):

@TheKevinBett said:

"Rest in Peace Boniface, the two officers must face the consequences of their action, they killed him."

@bungomaduke said:

"May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace."

@TeRaiona254 said:

"The @LawSocietyofKeshould support the family in getting legal redress from government for a life taken too soon unnecessarily by a rogue cop. This includes paying all the medical and funeral related costs. Otherwise, my heart goes to the family of the bereaved."

@Nuskaren said:

"He died the day he was shot..dead brain = dead and can't respond to pain or anything."

@cathy_mutuku said:

"Boniface died long time ago not today."

@ras48879127 said:

"May the soul of Boniface Mwangi rest in peace."

@SeinNaserian said:

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Boniface Kariuki: Father of slain mask vendor discloses he was his only son, pleads for help

"What a cruel world we are in. Bless your soul boniface but as always do not rest in peace. Fight! fight! fight!"

@CelsiusPlus273 said:

"Couple of facts to remember: 1. He was on his hustle selling masks - not even part of the protests. 2. He was walking away when the trigger was pulled. Let that sink in."

Boniface Kariuki: From CBD to his deathbed

• On June 17, during Nairobi protests, Boniface Kariuki, a young mask vendor, was shot point‑blank in the head by a police officer.
• He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, underwent two critical neurosurgeries and was placed on life support in intensive care.
• Kariuki's dad shared the sad story of how he found out about the shooting of his son while updating Kenyans on the ever-growing hospital bill.
• The father, Johah Kariuki, shared how he was swindled of KSh 200k from his account that was raised by Kenyans to help with the medical bills.
• Post‑shooting, the responsible officers were arrested, the police constables Masinde and Kiprono were interdicted, and charges were levelled against them.
• The family of Boniface announced on June 29 that he had been declared brain dead by the doctors.

Read also

Eric Omondi comforts Boniface Kariuki's father after son's death: "Tutasimama nao"

Charles Owino claims Boniface Kariuki insulted an officer

Earlier, while appearing on Citizen TV on June 30, early morning, former police spokesperson Charles Owino accused Kariuki of insulting the officer who allegedly shot him.

Owino claimed that if one listens to the video, they will hear the insults that Kariuki threw at the officer, and defended the cop for being young and naive.

He also acknowledged that such actions damage the image of the police, saying they also have to be accountable.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke