Nairobi’s cold evening air was pierced by silent candlelight and trembling prayers as friends, family, and activists gathered to remember Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor who died from a close-range shot to the head by the police during the nationwide protests that have gripped Kenya since June.  

His death, now at the heart of a swelling cry for justice, has reignited public outrage over State violence and the erosion of civil liberties. 

Kariuki was shot by police officers on June 17, 2025, during demonstrations in Nairobi over yet another extrajudicial death, the killing of a teacher at Central Police Station. 

Kariuki, who was shot in the head at close range, died on June 30, 2025, after spending two weeks in the ICU. His story, once one of hopeful survival, became yet another painful statistic in a mounting death toll. 

A sombre mood engulfed Kariuki’s memorial service at All Saints Cathedral on July 9, 2025, where he was remembered as a hero, brave and a hardworking person who was keen to eke out an honest living. 

The mourners further called for justice following Kariuki’s death. 

Starehe MP Amos Mwago termed Kariuki a “national hero” and blamed the government for radicalising what began as peaceful protests. 

“The blood of Kenya’s youth is on this administration. These demonstrations started peacefully, but then the government unleashed goons to provoke violence. We will not be silenced. The responsibility lies squarely on the president,” Mwago said. 

Serious charges 

Speaking on behalf of the grieving family, Emily Wanjira, a cousin, shared at a press conference after the service that it has been three weeks of pain.  

“Boniface was more than just a victim; he was our brother, our son. He was shot, and we watched him suffer. We are still praying, still trying to raise funds for his burial. But what we want most is justice. No intervention. Let this case follow the law,” she said. 

The family held a candlelight vigil last evening at the exact spot where Kariuki was shot near Imenti House, with a burial scheduled for this Friday in Kangema.  

Comedian and activist Eric Omondi delivered an emotionally charged statement. 

“I wanted to be a police officer. But what has the uniform become? It is no longer pride, but it is rather fear. I have buried eight people in one month. Thirty-nine Kenyans are dead. This must stop,” Omondi, a son of a former police officer, said. 

Two police officers implicated in the shooting are in custody as the case has now shifted from assault to murder, which is a development that many see as a sign of hope, however slim, for accountability. The shooting drew condemnation from across the political and public spectrum. 

As the nation mourns Kariuki and others like him, a larger question looming is who will be held accountable, and when will the killing stop. 

The Gen Z who attended the service yesterday said this generation has found its voice. And with each candle lit in Kariuki’s memory, that voice grows louder: “No more fear. No more blood. Justice for Boniface.” 

According to reports, at least 19 people have died and over 400 have been injured in the June 17, 2025, protests over the killing of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody. 

Most of those killed during the demonstrations were victims of live ammunition used by police.