Murang'a County mourns hawker shot during Nairobi protests, demands justice

Murang'a County officials sent their deepest sympathies after Boniface Kariuki passed away from gunshot injuries. The street vendor died from wounds he received during the June 17 demonstrations against police violence. Officers had opened fire on protesters who gathered to demand justice for blogger Albert Ojwang. Kariuki got caught up during the chaos and suffered serious injuries. Medical staff at Kenyatta National Hospital tried everything they could to save his life.

County leaders described Kariuki as a peaceful trader who never hurt anyone. Police shot the mask seller as he tried to escape the violent scene. He had been working his usual spot when authorities moved to clear hawkers from the business district. The shooting happened as officers used heavy force to break up the crowd. Witnesses said Kariuki was simply trying to run away from danger.

Hospital doctors kept Kariuki alive for weeks before he died on July 1. His family stayed close during his final days at the medical center. County officials helped pay for his treatment and promised to keep supporting his loved ones. Local leaders demanded that authorities punish the officers responsible for the shooting. Rights groups called for a complete investigation into what happened that day.