Tension engulfed Murang’a after heavy police presence was witnessed at a road leading to Boniface Kariuki’s home. Kariuki was the mask vendor who was shot by police in Nairobi’s CBD during the June 17 protests.
According to images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, truckloads of police officers were lined up at the Murang’a junction ahead of the vendor’s burial at his family home in Iyego, Kangema, Murang’a County.
Officers were seen manning the road and surrounding areas, while others remained in the trucks, seemingly on standby to respond to any unrest.
The heavy police presence was negatively received by residents, who blamed the officers for Kariuki’s death.
"Why can’t police let Boni rest in peace? Is following him to his grave necessary?" one concerned Kenyan remarked.
To ensure the mask vendor received a dignified send-off, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi 'Sonko' deployed the Sonko Rescue Team to accompany the convoy from KU Funeral Home to the burial.
Grief overwhelmed the funeral home as family, friends, and loved ones gathered to pay their final respects. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded, with Kariuki's mother collapsing in anguish, overcome by the unbearable sorrow of losing her son.
Medical personnel at the scene attended to her, and she later regained consciousness.
His burial followed a deeply emotional requiem mass held at the Holy Family Basilica, where mourners called for justice and an end to police brutality.
The Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa in connection with Kariuki’s death.
Kariuki was shot at close range and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remained in the Intensive Care Unit for two weeks before being declared brain dead.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Kariuki died from a severe head injury. Four bullet fragments were found lodged in his brain.
During his requiem mass on Wednesday, July 9, at the Holy Family Basilica, mourners eulogised him as a law-abiding and hardworking Kenyan. They called for justice for their son and an end to extrajudicial killings.
