Kenyan Police Officer’s Plea Not Guilty in Boniface Kariuki’s Shooting Death Fuels Nationwide Outrage

 

Boniface Kariuki’s death has ignited widespread anger in Kenya following a police officer’s not guilty plea for shooting the young man at close range during protests in Nairobi on July 20, 2025. An autopsy confirmed that Kariuki, a 29-year-old protester, succumbed to severe head injuries from bullet fragments, intensifying public outcry. His case has become a powerful symbol of alleged police brutality and government insensitivity, galvanizing sustained demands for justice and accountability across the nation. Social media platforms like X are flooded with posts condemning the incident, with hashtags like #JusticeForKariuki gaining momentum.
The backlash grew fiercer after police dispersed a candlelight vigil held for Kariuki on July 24, 2025, using tear gas, which many viewed as a further display of heavy-handed tactics. His funeral, held on July 27, 2025, drew thousands, including opposition leaders like Raila Odinga, who criticized President William Ruto’s administration for its handling of protest-related violence.
 The event amplified calls for systemic reforms to address excessive police force, with mourners chanting for accountability. Kariuki’s death, one of several linked to recent protests against economic policies, has deepened public frustration with Ruto’s government, accused of ignoring grievances over rising living costs. As demonstrations continue, Kariuki’s case remains a rallying cry for Kenyans demanding an end to impunity and stronger protections for citizens’ rights.
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