Autopsy Reveals What Led To Death Of Boniface Kariuki

Boniface Kariuki, the Nairobi mask hawker who was shot by police at close range during the June 17 protests, tragically died as a result of a severe head injury.

An autopsy conducted by pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa on Thursday, July 3, revealed that four bullet fragments were lodged in his brain. 

The late Kariuki underwent two complex surgeries at Kenyatta National Hospital to extract the shrapnel, but remained unconscious and was declared brain dead on June 30, eventually passing away the next day.

The family has since announced that his burial will take place on Friday, July 11, at their home in Kangema, Murang’a County.

Meanwhile, a Nairobi court has directed that two police officers accused of fatally shooting Kariuki, who later died in hospital, be held in custody for seven days. The extended detention is meant to give investigators additional time to look into the case.

In earlier reports, President William Ruto donated Ksh1 million to Kariuki's family, a donation presented by the Kangema MP, Peter Irungu Kihungi, who visited the family on July 2 to condole with them following his passing.

"On behalf of President William Samoei Ruto, we conveyed his condolences and his commitment to ensuring justice is served. The President also extended a contribution of KSh 1 million to support the family with funeral arrangements," he stated.

The MP was accompanied by other local leaders, including Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, and area MCA Moses Muchiri.

Apart from the President’s contribution, the MP stated that these leaders had pledged their full support to the family, though he did not disclose any specific amounts they might have donated.

To help pursue justice for the deceased, the leaders also brought along a Ministry of Interior representative on behalf of Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

After the family raised concerns about being unable to record a statement with the police, the ministry promised to follow up immediately and ensure the statement would be taken without further delays.

"Boniface’s death is a painful reminder of the urgent need for accountability in our security agencies. We will not rest until justice is done," Kihungi said.

After Kariuki was confirmed dead on July 1, following two weeks in the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital, his family lamented the massive hospital bill, which had surpassed Ksh3.6 million.

They stated at the time that neither the hospital nor any politicians had stepped in to help settle the debt.

Although the President contributed Ksh1 million, leaders clarified that this amount was only intended to assist the family with funeral expenses, given it was just a small portion of the total bill.

Kariuki had been shot in the head while selling face masks to demonstrators demanding justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who had died in police custody a few days earlier.