A postmortem conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital has revealed that 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi died from a severe head injury caused by a rubber bullet during the anti-government protests held on June 25 in Nairobi.
According to government pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Mwangi suffered massive trauma to the head, with four bullet fragments discovered lodged in his brain. The report confirmed that the young mask vendor’s chances of survival were slim due to the extent of bleeding and brain damage he sustained. Dr. Ndegwa described the injury as consistent with the impact of a rubber bullet fired at close range.
Mwangi had joined thousands of Kenyans in the streets to protest against proposed tax hikes and demand better governance. The demonstrations, which turned violent in parts of Nairobi, left several injured and sparked outrage over the conduct of security forces.
In connection to Mwangi’s death, two police officers — Klinzy Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono — have been detained for an additional seven days. This decision was made by presiding magistrate Ben Ekhubi to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete investigations into the incident. Magistrate Ekhubi expressed his condolences to the Kariuki family, assuring them that justice would be served and emphasizing the judiciary’s commitment to accountability.
Mwangi’s tragic death has added to the growing calls for police reform and greater oversight in Kenya, especially during protests. Human rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force on peaceful demonstrators and are urging swift action against any officers found culpable.
The Kariuki family has announced that Mwangi will be laid to rest next Friday in his rural home in Kangema, Murang’a County. His death has become symbolic of the broader struggle for justice and the need for systemic change in the handling of civil unrest in the country.
As investigations continue, Kenyans are left mourning yet another young life lost in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
