Political leaders from across the country have called for justice and respect for human life following the killing of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a young hawker who was shot in the head by a police officer on June 17, 2025, during protests in Nairobi.
The politicians had joined his family and mourners on July 11 for his funeral at Githunguri, Muguru Ward, Murang’a County.
Speaker after speaker condemned police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the use of excessive force on unarmed protestors.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said Kenyans across the country were deeply angered by Boniface’s death and vowed that the call for justice would not stop.
“Boniface was not committing a crime when he was shot. He was unarmed and simply selling masks to earn a living,” said Kang’ata.
Starehe MP Amos Maina also condemned the killing, stressing the need for the government to protect its citizens and create a safe environment for honest work.
“Boniface chose not to turn to crime or drugs. He went to the streets to sell masks and earn a decent living,” said Maina.
“If such killings continue, we risk discouraging youth from seeking honest livelihoods,” he added.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah offered words of comfort and solidarity to the family, terming Boniface’s death a profound and painful loss and he cautioned political leaders against using ethnic divisions to explain away state violence.
“This is not about tribes. Kenyans from all communities are suffering. In Busia, three young people are being laid to rest this week; each of them shot during protests,” Omtatah said.
He called on police officers to cease the use of lethal force on peaceful protestors.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi expressed sorrow over the death of Boniface and others like him, saying the country was losing its youth to senseless violence.
“It is unfortunate that the nation has to bury such young people whose lives have been cut short prematurely,” said Muturi.
He called on leaders to uphold the constitution, ensure justice for all Kenyans, and pursue restorative justice for victims and their families.
Other political leaders present were Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Jamleck Kamau, Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Julius Musili and Jayne Kihara among others.
By Purity Mugo
