Aasai

A somber mood engulfed the family of Bonface Kariuki on Monday after his passing was confirmed at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he had been admitted following a police shooting during recent anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi. Kariuki, a humble street vendor who sold face masks to support his family, died at 3:15 p.m., just a day after doctors declared him brain dead.

The 29-year-old vendor was shot in the head by a police officer while participating in peaceful demonstrations calling for an end to police brutality and extrajudicial killings. His shooting drew widespread condemnation and became a symbol of the disproportionate use of force against unarmed civilians during protests.

Speaking outside KNH, family spokesperson Emily Wanjira gave a tearful update confirming his death. “Bonface is no longer with us. The hospital called to tell us that he passed on this afternoon. Yesterday we were told he was brain dead, and we were just waiting for the inevitable,” Wanjira said, visibly heartbroken.

She revealed that even though Kariuki’s vital organs were still functioning as of Sunday, his brain activity had ceased. “We knew what brain death meant, but nothing truly prepares you for that final call,” she said.

Kariuki had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) immediately after the incident and underwent two critical surgeries aimed at removing bullet fragments lodged deep within his skull. Despite the medical team’s efforts, some of the fragments could not be safely extracted, resulting in irreversible brain damage. Doctors continued to monitor him, but he never regained consciousness.

His death has sparked a fresh wave of anger among Kenyans already outraged by what they see as a culture of impunity within the police force. The incident has drawn the attention of human rights organizations and civil society groups, who are now demanding independent investigations and prosecution of the officer responsible.

“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives in this manner,” said George Oketch, a human rights activist. “Bonface was not a criminal. He was a vendor, a Kenyan citizen exercising his constitutional right to protest. His death must not go unpunished.”

Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki, painted a picture of a hardworking son who was the breadwinner of the family. He expressed deep frustration with the governments silence and inaction. “My son went out to stand for justice, and now we are planning his funeral. All we want is justice. Someone must answer for what they did to my boy,” he said.

Adding to the family’s woes is the staggering hospital bill, which had ballooned to over Ksh.1 million by the time of his death. The financial burden has left the family struggling to plan his burial, even as they deal with the emotional toll of losing a loved one in such a tragic and avoidable manner.

As the family begins funeral preparations, they are vowing not to rest until justice is served. They have appealed to the government, judiciary, and human rights bodies to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

Kariukis death underscores the increasingly dangerous environment in which protesters find themselves, especially amid a rising tide of youth-led demonstrations across the country. What began as peaceful protests by young Kenyans demanding justice and reforms has, in several cases, ended in violence and bloodshed.

Bonface’s death has now become a rallying cry for justice and reform. His name, like many others who have lost their lives in similar circumstances, is being invoked as a reminder of the need for accountability in the country’s security agencies.

As tributes pour in and plans are made to lay him to rest, the country is once again confronted with the high cost of state violence—a cost that Kariuki paid with his life.

“He was just trying to earn a living. He stood for justice and died for it. We will not let his memory fade,” said Wanjira. “Bonface deserves justice, and we will not stop until we get it.”