• Boniface Kariuki was shot during nationwide protests. Captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked national uproar and drawn condemnation from across the political divide and civil society.

Kenya is grappling with what leaders are calling one of the darkest chapters in its post-independence history, after another protest turned violent, leaving several injured, and Boniface Kariuki,  a mask vendor in Nairobi shot by police at close-range.

The incident follows the recent death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died in police custody, sparking nationwide outrage.

Boniface Kariuki was shot during nationwide protests on June 17, 2025. Captured on video and widely circulated on social media, the shooting has sparked national uproar and drawn condemnation from across the political divide and civil society.

“This is another sad day for Kenya,” said former Chief Justice David Maraga. “Boniface Kariuki was shot point blank, cold, without a drop of humanity. The regime deployed its rogue security operatives to terrorize Kenyans. What we have witnessed today is very, very unfortunate,” Maraga added.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua through a statement on X has also added, “Today, we have witnessed one of the lowest moments of our post-independence Kenya. It is uncivilized to sink our nation into international shame by a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life.”

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  3. Senator Haji Warns Against Political Exploitation of Tragedies

Across the country, thousands of young people took to the streets to demand justice for Ojwang and to protest the rising tide of police brutality. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into chaos as uniformed police and suspected state-sponsored goons reportedly attacked protesters.

Ndindi Nyoro, the Member of Parliament for Kiharu, has echoed sentiments of grief and anger: “Today is a very sad day for our country, Kenya. It is despicable and outrageous that this is happening.”

As anger boils, leaders and civil society actors are calling for calm—but also for urgent action. The youth-led movement that has emerged is being hailed as a “relentless pursuit for justice,” with growing calls for accountability and systemic reform. For many Kenyans, Boniface Kariuki’s shooting is not just a tragedy it is a turning point.