Governor Kang’ata vows justice for Boniface Kariuki

Hawker Boniface Kariuki's burial in Iyego, Kangema, Murang'a

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has called on veteran lawyers in the opposition to unite and help secure justice for the family of Boniface Kariuki, who was killed during anti-police brutality protests.

Kariuki, a street hawker, was shot in the head on June 17 while selling face masks during the nationwide protests.

Speaking at his burial in Iyego, Kangema, Kang’ata said the tragic killing has deeply pained Kenyans and should not be forgotten.

“Bonny may be gone, but we will continue fighting for justice. We will never forget what they did to him,” he said.

He appealed to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former AG Justin Muturi, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru to join him in pursuing justice for the grieving family.

The governor linked the ongoing unrest to widespread unemployment and rising cost of living, saying young people are increasingly frustrated.

“We no longer have social mobility in our country. After school, most people can’t find jobs and struggle to even start families,” he said.

He stressed that leaders have a moral obligation to create systems that encourage employment and economic growth.

Kang’ata also said Murang’a has long influenced national politics, naming democratic icons Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, and urged young people to keep that legacy alive.

The highly emotional burial drew leaders from across the country, including Gen Z youth who waved Kenyan flags in solidarity.

During the burial, Susan Njeri, the mother of Boniface Kariuki, revealed she had asked him to stay away from protests.

In a tribute read during his burial, Njeri said she called him on the morning of June 17 to ask for some money and warned him to avoid the protests.

She said Boniface asked to speak to his siblings during the call — a gesture she now believes was his final goodbye.

“Little did we know you were saying goodbye to us,” she said.

Johna Kariuki, Boniface’s father, said he knew his son was destined for leadership the day he was born on August 28, 2002.