Leaders from Murang’a on Sunday joined the family of hawker Boniface Kariuki in Muguru, Kangema subcounty for burial preparations and called for an end to police brutality.
Kariuki, a mask seller, was shot in the head during protests against the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
He later succumbed to injuries at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu condemned the killing and use of excessive force by police on protesters.
“Kariuki was selling face masks. He was unarmed and was not fighting the police when he was shot,” he said.
Nyutu said the use of excessive force by the
police is a tactic aimed at discouraging Kenyans from exercising their
constitutional rights.
He urged young people to remain determined,
saying they are the future of the nation.
Nyutu also encouraged them to acquire national identity cards and register as voters ahead of the next general election.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who also joined the family in mourning, condemned the violence, saying every Kenyan has a right to protest.
He traced the unrest back to public outrage over Finance Bill, 2024.
“I commend the youth for standing up against punitive taxation. As a county, we have managed to grow our revenue without raising taxes. Murang’a last increased taxes and licensing fees in 2018. Since then, we have sealed revenue leakages and improved our collection from Sh500 million to Sh1.3 billion,” Kang'ata said.
He called for tolerance from leaders who are being critisised on social media.
“Even in real life, you don’t kill someone just
because they insulted you. All leaders, including myself, are criticised and
even insulted online. That’s no reason to retaliate with violence,” he said.
“It is inhumane and unjust for senior police officers to order arrest or torture of anyone because they felt insulted."
Kang’ata said it is important for police to arrest criminal elements looting businesses and not killing innocent Kenyans.
“Kariuki was not armed. He was just an innocent
hawker,” the governor said.
He also pledged legal support for the family.
As a lawyer, I will stand with the family of Kariuki and ensure justice is served. These cases can take time, but I will represent them to the end.”
Prof Peter Kagwanja, a political scientist, said, “Reckless killing of young people cannot be justified and is not part of nation-building."
Ubuntu Kamau, a local youth leader, castigated the government for trying to silence victims of state violence through financial compensation.
“No amount of money can replace a life lost. The life of a human being cannot be exchanged for a million or two million shillings,” he said.
Kamau urged the government to uphold the sanctity of human life and treat every citizen with dignity.
Kariuki will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11.
