MURANG’A, Kenya — President William Ruto has contributed Ksh 1 million to the family of the late hawker Boniface Kariuki, intended to support funeral arrangements following his tragic death.
The donation was delivered to the family on the President’s behalf by Murang’a Members of Parliament (MPs) Betty Maina, Mary Wamaua (Maragua), and Peter Irungu Kihungi (Kangema).
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, MP Kihungi confirmed his visit to the home of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, where he extended condolences and expressed solidarity with the grieving family.
Handing over the presidential contribution, MP Maina stated, “Murang’a MPs regret the incident and are working around the clock to ensure Mwangi gets justice.”
Boniface Mwangi, a dedicated hawker known for selling masks in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), was shot at close range during the demonstrations on June 17. He remained in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) until June 30, when he tragically succumbed to his injuries at 3:15 p.m. A KNH official confirmed his passing, stating, “It is true he passed on more than an hour ago. The family will give you more details.”
The family held prayers on Wednesday, July 2, and announced that Boniface’s burial is scheduled for July 11. During his visit, MP Kihungi noted that a primary concern for the family was their inability to formally record a police statement regarding the incident.
“We spent time with the family, listened to their pain, and assured them of our full support,” Kihungi shared. He further added, “The representative from PS Raymond Omollo’s office committed to following up immediately to ensure this process is facilitated without further delay. We will not rest until justice is done.”
Family spokesperson Abel Kinyanjui has vehemently demanded that murder charges be brought against the two police officers linked to the fatal shooting, both of whom are currently in custody as investigations continue.
MP Maina also mourned Mwangi on her Facebook page, remembering him as a “hardworking hawker.” She wrote, “It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one under such painful and unjust circumstances, especially someone who was healthy, dedicated, and hustling to make an honest living.” She further urged, “We must relentlessly pursue justice for Boniface while calling on our police officers to exercise restraint and protect, not harm, innocent Kenyans.”
The government’s decision to waive Boniface’s Ksh 800,000 hospital bill has been met with appreciation from the family. “We appreciate that the government waived the hospital bill of Ksh 800,000, and we are now focused on giving our brother a decent sendoff,” MP Kihungi stated. He also underscored the importance of financially empowering the family, particularly in supporting the education of Boniface’s three sisters.
Residents and clergy in Githunguri village have joined in mourning the fallen hawker. Reverend Mercy Wangu and Beatrice Wairimu recalled him as a humble and generous individual.
Wairimu noted, “The little he gained from the hawking business was shared with the family.”
She also appealed to the government to actively work towards rebuilding trust between the police and the public, emphasizing, “Let’s forge a relationship with the youth, and those in authority should listen to the voices of the youth to avoid chaos in the future.”
As Githunguri village prepares for Boniface’s final rites, the impassioned cry for justice continues to resonate far beyond Murang’a.
