Postmortem reveals Boniface Mwangi had 4 rubber bullet fragments


The late Boniface Mwangi Kariuki 22-year-old mask vendor fatally shot during June 25 Nairobi protests; officers remain in custody as probe deepens

NAIROBI — Boniface Mwangi, the 22-year-old mask vendor who was shot during the June 25 protests in Nairobi, suffered a fatal head injury from a rubber bullet that lodged fragments in his brain, a postmortem has confirmed.

The autopsy, conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital Mortuary, revealed four bullet fragments embedded in his brain. According to Dr. Peter Ndegwa, ”the bleeding caused by the injury was extensive and left Mwangi with virtually no chance of survival.

“His death was caused by a severe head injury from a rubber bullet. The bleeding was massive,” Dr. Ndegwa stated.

Mwangi sustained the injury during demonstrations that turned chaotic in the capital. Witnesses reported clashes between protesters and police officers deployed to disperse crowds. Video footage circulated online showed masked vendors and youth fleeing teargas and gunfire near Moi Avenue.

Authorities have confirmed that two officers, Klinzy Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, are under investigation in connection to Mwangi’s shooting. Both officers will remain in police custody for seven more days. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) requested more time to complete forensic analysis and gather further witness statements.

Senior Magistrate Ben Ekhubi, who presided over the custody hearing, extended condolences to the Mwangi family and assured them the court would uphold justice. “This court acknowledges the loss and promises that due process will be followed,” Ekhubi said in court.

Mwangi’s family confirmed he will be buried next Friday in Kangema, Murang’a County, where he was born. His father described him as “a hardworking young man who never caused trouble.”

According to eyewitnesses, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki was among vendors caught between protesters and advancing police officers when he was fatally shot at close range. He was rushed to the Kenyatta National hospital where attempts to restore his well being was done through surgery but was pronounced dead on Monday at 3:15pm after being monitored at the ICU ward.

The June 25 protests, largely driven by youth anger over economic reforms, tax proposals, and police conduct, resulted in multiple injuries and arrests. Human rights groups have demanded accountability and transparency in investigations into police use of force.

IPOA has confirmed it is reviewing surveillance footage and ballistic evidence to establish a clear timeline of events.

As the investigation unfolds, Mwangi’s death has become a symbol of what demonstrators call excessive force by police during peaceful protests. His name continues to circulate widely on social media, where Kenyans are demanding justice and calling for reform.

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