Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has pledged to support the family of deceased Nairobi hawker Boniface Kariuki, who passed away weeks after being shot by the police.
Kang'ata, who spoke on Tuesday morning, said his administration had already extended assistance to Kariuki during his hospitalisation and would continue to support the latter's family.
While expressing his condolences over the deceased's demise, the governor also condemned the excessive use of force by the police officers during the recent protests.
Kang'ata, who expressed his frustrations over Kariuki's death, called on the government to expedite investigations and ensure that Boniface gets justice.
"On behalf of the residents of Murang'a County, the Murang'a County Government conveys its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Boniface Kariuki," Kang'ata said.
He went on to add, "Boniface, a humble and unarmed hawker, was tragically shot by police officers in Nairobi's Central Business District a few days ago."
Kariuki, who was shot during the June 17 demonstrations against police brutality in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), passed away yesterday, June 30, after a week-long treatment at KNH.
His demise was confirmed by a family spokesperson who confirmed that the mask hawker died at around 3.15pm at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Addressing the press moments after his death, Kariuki's family revealed that the deceased's hospital bill had piled up to Ksh3.5 million and that they had not received any assistance from the government.
"All I can say is that we have a tough task ahead, as getting him out of the mortuary is hard because we do not have money. We are seeking help from Kenyans," said Jonah Kariuki, Boniface's father.
"I want justice for my son because he did not do anything wrong. I knew that he was the only hope for me in the future. He was the only son since the rest were daughters," he added.
Kariuki's death occurred a day after his family revealed that their relative was brain-dead, following doctors informing them that Boniface's brainstem was no longer functioning.
