Mulembe Times | July 1, 2025
Bonface Kariuki, the mask vendor shot by police during anti-brutality protests in Nairobi, has died. His family is calling for justice as IPOA investigates the officers involved.
Bonface Mwangi Kariuki, a Nairobi-based mask vendor who was shot in the head by a police officer during anti-police brutality protests, has died at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), his family has confirmed.
Kariuki’s death was announced on Monday afternoon by family spokesperson Emily Wanjira, just a day after doctors declared him brain dead following two failed operations to remove bullet fragments from his skull.
“We were outside the hospital when we received a call from the doctor telling us that Bonface had passed away at 3:15 p.m.,” Wanjira said tearfully.
Kariuki, who became a symbol of the youth-led Gen Z movement protesting police violence, had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since June 17, the day he was shot by a police officer during a peaceful demonstration in the Nairobi Central Business District.
Doctors at KNH had earlier confirmed that while Kariuki’s organs remained functional, there was no brain activity, declaring him brain dead on Sunday, June 30.
“Mwangi is confirmed brain dead. We know what it means. We are just waiting for the doctor to tell us he is no more,” Wanjira had told the media.
Despite two emergency surgeries, bullet fragments remained lodged in his brain, and his condition failed to stabilize. Medical staff said removing all the shrapnel posed life-threatening risks.
Bonface’s father, Jonah Kariuki, had previously revealed that the family was facing a hospital bill exceeding Ksh.1 million, a heavy burden for a working-class family already reeling from the trauma.
“We’ve been here every day. It’s painful to watch your child suffer and then be told there’s nothing more they can do,” the elder Kariuki said.
Following Kariuki’s death, the family is now demanding accountability, prosecution, and sentencing of the officers involved in what they term an unprovoked and criminal act.
“We don’t just want apologies. We want convictions. This was cold-blooded murder, and justice must be served,” Wanjira stated.
Two officers—Klinzy Baraza Masinde and Duncan Kiprono—have since been interdicted and detained by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). They are currently facing attempted murder charges, which are likely to be upgraded to murder following Kariuki’s death.
Footage that circulated widely on social media showed Kariuki being harassed by two officers before one of them shot him at close range. The incident sparked national outrage, reigniting calls for police reform, demilitarization of protest responses, and justice for victims of state brutality.
The shooting occurred just days before Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen issued controversial “shoot-to-kill” orders against anyone attempting to approach police stations during unrest.
Kariuki’s story has galvanized Kenya’s youth, many of whom took to the streets in June to protest police impunity, enforced disappearances, and what they view as the criminalization of dissent
His name has been chanted at vigils, seen on placards, and honored through online hashtags such as #JusticeForKariuki and #GenZRise.
Civil rights organizations have pledged to support the Kariuki family in their legal battle. IPOA has committed to completing its investigations swiftly and ensuring that officers are held personally accountable for unlawful use of force.
Human rights watchdogs are also pushing for the officers to be charged individually, citing international standards that prohibit lethal force except as a last resort.
