Former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau addressing neighbors and relatives of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki in Karugia village, Kangema, June 21, 2025. /ALICE WAITHERA
A section of Murang’a residents and leaders are demanding accountability from the National Police Service following the shooting of 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki.
Kariuki, who is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, was shot in the head on Tuesday during protests over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.
Beatrice Wairimu, a neighbour to Kariuki’s family in the Karugia area of Kangema sub-county, described him as a son.
“They lived and did almost everything together while growing up. Mwangi became like my son,” she said, referring to Kariuki by his family name.
She recounted the emotional toll of receiving news of the shooting.
Wairimu recalled how, on Wednesday morning, Kariuki’s mother, Susan Njeri, visited her in a panic after hearing the news.
“I was the one who told her that her son had not passed away but was in the ICU. Our village filled with tears that morning,” she said.
Wairimu condemned the shooting and called for stern action against those responsible.
“The only way to avert such occurrences is by ensuring those involved are severely punished to set an example.”
She noted that hawking, Kariuki’s livelihood, is a difficult trade and said he had been trying to earn an honest living before being harmed by a police officer.
“Such officers should not be allowed to continue serving because they will end up hurting even more people,” she added.
Residents congregate at Boniface Mwangi Kariuki’s home in Karugia village, Kangema sub county, Murang’a county, June 21, 2025. /ALICE WAITHERAThe humble home of Boniface Kariuki has seen a steady stream of visitors since the tragic incident, even as his parents remain in Nairobi to visit him daily at Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is still in critical condition.
Kariuki’s father, Johna Kariuki, a long-time street vendor in Nairobi, had taught his son the trade shortly after he completed secondary school in 2020.
The young man used the proceeds from hawking to support his family.
Former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to take decisive action against rogue police officers.
“What we’re saying is we can’t continue watching as Kenyans die at the hands of the people who should be protecting them. Ipoa is not doing enough to stop this,” he said.
Kamau also criticised the growing trend of Ipoa officials holding joint press conferences with the National Police Service (NPS) in cases where police officers are the assused.
Referring to the death of teacher Albert Ojwang’, he said it was disturbing to see Ipoa officials standing beside police commanders during briefings when they should instead be leading independent investigations.
“If something does not change, our country is headed in the wrong direction. Deliberate actions need to be taken now to stop this trend,” he warned.
“Mwangi was not even protesting. He took advantage of the demonstrations to sell masks and earn some money, and he was still shot.”
His concerns were echoed by Kanyenya-ini MCA Grace Nduta, who emphasised that the misconduct of a few rogue officers continues to erode public trust in the police service.
Karugia residents don face masks in honor of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki who was shot by the police during protests last Tuesday. /ALICE WAITHERA
Nduta urged police officers to exercise restraint when dealing with members of the public, noting that many Kenyans are already grappling with economic hardship and dwindling incomes.
George Kibuku, a political leader from Kangema, echoed the call, urging the government to act decisively to curb the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers.
“Mwangi was a hardworking youth who supported his family, and now he’s in hospital despite committing no wrong,” Kibuku said.
“He was just standing there selling masks when police officers suddenly arrived and shot him. Why was he shot? We have to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Mwangi’s grandfather, Ephantus Kimotho, expressed gratitude to the many well-wishers who have visited the family to show their support, noting that more help is still needed as the family navigates the difficult road ahead.
Kimotho also offered a word of caution to young people participating in demonstrations.
“Protesting is your constitutional right, but take care because there seem to be police officers out to cause harm. They are baying for blood. Shooting Mwangi in the head was intended to kill him — we thank God he survived,” he said.
The family continues to call for justice and accountability, as the community rallies around them in hope and solidarity.