Murang’a —The late Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old hawker who was shot at close range by police officer Klinzy Masinde Barasa during anti-tax protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District, will be buried today in his home village of Kangema, Murang’a County.
Boniface Kariuki died following a gunshot wound sustained on June 17, during demonstrations that turned violent. He was hit at close range and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remained in a coma for two weeks. Doctors later declared him brain dead.
A postmortem confirmed Kariuki suffered a fatal head injury. Four bullet fragments were recovered from his brain.
On Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa in connection with the shooting. Barasa is now expected to face trial. His co-accused, officer Duncan Kiprono, was released without charges after a review of evidence.
Kariuki’s death sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct during protests. Human rights groups, faith leaders, and family members gathered Wednesday for a requiem mass at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.
“He was a hardworking and peaceful Kenyan,” said a family representative during the service. “We want justice. This must not happen to another innocent person.”
Calls for accountability continue to grow, with mourners demanding a full investigation into the use of live bullets during crowd control.
The late Boniface Kariuki, who sold masks and small goods for a living, had no criminal record. Eyewitnesses said he was unarmed and attempting to flee from teargas when he was shot.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed it had completed its investigation and forwarded its findings to the DPP. The Authority also released ballistic and medical reports backing claims of excessive force.
The late Boniface Kariuki leaves behind a wife and two children. His burial marks the end of a painful three-week wait for answers, as his family continues to seek justice and accountability.
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