The family of Boniface Kariuki, the young face mask vendor tragically shot in the head during recent protests, has confirmed his burial will take place on Friday, July 11, in his rural home in Kangema, Murang’a County. His death, which followed days of him being declared brain dead, has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Kariuki’s family has been grappling with immense emotional and financial strain as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest. His cousin, speaking on behalf of the family, revealed how difficult it has been to coordinate burial plans amid grief and limited resources. Appeals for assistance had been made, and the family was hoping for support to give Boniface a decent farewell.
In an unexpected yet deeply appreciated gesture, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko stepped forward to support the grieving family. While overseeing Boniface’s autopsy at the Nairobi Funeral Home, the family encountered a team affiliated with Sonko. Upon learning about the family’s situation, Sonko quickly reached out to offer help.
Moved by their plight, he pledged full support for the burial. His assistance included a modern hearse, a pristine white casket, and a burial suit for the deceased. He also committed his medical team to assist with related logistics. Additionally, he contributed KSh 150,000 to cater for food and other expenses during the burial arrangements. This amount came in to supplement the KSh 100,000 that the family had already managed to raise.
Sonko’s kind gesture touched many Kenyans, prompting an outpouring of gratitude on social media. Messages of praise and blessings filled online platforms, with users expressing admiration for the politician’s timely intervention. Many lauded him as a true leader and a man of the people, noting that his actions had brought some relief to the mourning family.
While burial preparations continue, Kariuki’s family has begun raising troubling questions regarding the circumstances of his death. There appears to be confusion surrounding the hospital’s account of events leading up to the final declaration of death. Family members have expressed concern that they were not fully informed and suspect possible inconsistencies in the official timeline.
His uncle voiced doubts over when exactly Boniface passed away, suggesting that the family may not have received the entire truth. Kariuki’s grandmother, clearly heartbroken, echoed these concerns and questioned whether key details about his condition and the timing of his death had been deliberately withheld. She appealed for transparency and justice, urging authorities and the hospital to come clean and help them understand what truly happened.
As the date for Kariuki’s burial draws near, the family remains committed to ensuring he receives the send-off he deserves. At the same time, they continue to seek clarity and answers, hoping that justice will eventually be served for their son who lost his life under such distressing circumstances.
