Boniface Kariuki: Mum of Facemask Vendor Unable to Stand During Tribute Reading, Carried from Podium
- It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Susan Njeri, the mother of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki; she was overwhelmed by emotions during his burial
- The heartbroken woman could not hold back her tears and sorrow, especially just before her son’s body was lowered into the grave
- Ushers had to act quickly to administer first aid to the distraught mother during the final rites for her only son
Boniface Kariuki, the young mask seller who was brutally shot by police during recent protests in Nairobi county, has been laid to rest.
Source: Facebook
A wounded nation stood in solidarity with his grieving family in Murang’a county to give him a befitting send-off.
The young man's mother was overwhelmed by emotions as she delivered her tribute to her only son.
Sonko Rescue Team at Boniface Kariuki's burial
A woman read the tribute on her behalf during the emotional ceremony, as Susan Njeri struggled to come to terms with the loss.
"Sad! Weak Boniface Kariuki's mother is unable to stand and deliver her son's tribute," read the TikTok caption.
Boniface's mother was visibly sorrowful as her tribute was read in the local dialect while mourners listened attentively.
The Sonko Rescue Team stood alert, ready to assist her if she became overwhelmed during the reading.
Clergyman takes over Boniface Kariuki's burial program
Before long, Njeri began shaking her head and leaning on the woman reading the tribute beside her at the podium.
She could no longer hold back, prompting ushers to intervene and carry her off the red-carpeted podium.
Njeri was taken behind the tent as the other woman struggled to finish reading her heartbreaking tribute.
A clergyman stepped in to take over the program, giving the grieving mother a moment of relief from the emotional burden.
Kalonzo Musyoka's message at Boniface Kariuki's burial
Among those who attended the burial was former deputy president Kalonzo Musyoka, who delivered a powerful message:
“I was struck not just by the unbroken spirit of family and friends, but by their determined resolve to seek justice for Boniface. I was also struck by the silence of the current regime, which neither sent a representative nor offered a single word of condolence.
"Their silence screams of complicity. As we mourn a young life stolen by bullets bought by Kenyan taxpayers, we reaffirm this truth: justice delayed is not only justice denied, it is a continuation of violence.”
Kenyans console Boniface Kariuki's mum
Netizens empathised with Njeri’s reaction, understanding the unimaginable pain she was going through. Comments poured in:
zitato joey:
"Humanity should be the very first thought we all have... crying with a stranger."
Benty Peters:
"God, this woman is in so much pain. Only You can heal her heart."
Linda Munene:
"😔😭 May God comfort you, Mama Boniface. It’s heartbreaking seeing a fellow woman in such pain. Pole mama."
sarahmilkahgathiari:
"The pain is unbearable. It's hurting. May God comfort the family, especially the mother and grant them peace that surpasses all understanding."
Miss Universe 🌎💕🫶:
"May our good Lord comfort you, mama😭💔. The pain is too much to bear, but let God take control. 🙏😭💔"
Source: Facebook
Boniface Kariuki's mum faints during body viewing
In another report, Njeri was rushed to the hospital after viewing her son’s body ahead of the burial.
The heartbroken mother fainted during the viewing, and medics rushed to give her first aid.
Wails filled the air as mourners struggled to come to terms with the tragic death of the beloved mask seller.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
