Boniface Kariuki’s body leaves mortuary for burial
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 11, 2025Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old mask vendor who was shot during protests in Nairobi, is being laid to rest today, Friday, 11 July 2025, at his family home in Kangema, Murang’a County.
The Sonko Rescue Team supported the grieving family by providing a hearse, a white coffin, and covering several funeral-related costs.
His burial comes nearly a month after he was hit by a bullet while selling face masks in the Central Business District amid protests against police brutality. Boniface had been on life support for almost two weeks before he succumbed to his injuries on June 29.
A post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa confirmed that Kariuki died from severe head trauma.
“He suffered extensive brain damage. We recovered four bullet fragments, possibly rubber, lodged deep in the brain tissue,” Dr Ndegwa said.
The autopsy was carried out at the Kenyatta National Hospital Funeral Home.
The fragments, according to the doctor, had likely been missed during earlier surgical efforts due to their small size and deep placement.
“There was massive internal bleeding, and chances of survival were very low,” he added.
Mourners demand justice peacefully
Boniface’s body was moved yesterday to the Kenyatta University Funeral Home, ahead of the burial. Family and friends gathered to pay their final respects, many donning black face masks in memory of his work and tragic death.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira expressed deep sorrow and called the burial a painful moment.
“We’re heartbroken. He was so young, full of life. It’s even more painful knowing there were more fragments in his head than we initially thought. The case has now been reclassified as murder, and we are still seeking justice,” she said.
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a memorial service was held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. Activist and comedian Eric Omondi led mourners in a moment of silence, asking them to wear face masks to symbolise Kariuki’s life.
“This is what he was doing, selling masks, when he was gunned down. We will not forget him,” Omondi said.
Boniface’s death followed that of Albert Ojwang, a young man who died in police custody, sparking nationwide protests. His killing has now become another symbol of Kenya’s ongoing struggle with police violence.
As his family laid him to rest today, the mood was sombre but defiant, calls for justice growing louder even in grief.