President William Ruto has donated Ksh1 million to the family of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was shot during the anti-government protests held on June 17. Kariuki tragically passed away on July 1 after spending nearly two weeks in intensive care.
The donation was delivered to the grieving family on July 2 by Kangema MP Peter Irungu Kihungi, who visited the home to express his condolences on behalf of the Head of State.
“President William Samoei Ruto sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Boniface Kariuki. He has also offered Ksh1 million to help the family with funeral preparations.
He is committed to ensuring that justice will be served for this tragic loss,” Kihungi stated during the visit.
MP Kihungi was accompanied by several Murang’a County leaders, including Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, and local MCA Moses Muchiri.
Though the President’s donation was clearly stated, the other leaders did not disclose the specific amounts they might have contributed, only assuring the family of their full support during this difficult time.
A representative from the Ministry of Interior was also present at the visit, sent on behalf of Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. The ministry official was brought along in response to the family’s complaint that they had been unable to record a statement with the police.
The Interior Ministry has since pledged to take immediate action and make sure that the family is able to file the necessary statements without further delay.
MP Kihungi emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “Boniface’s death is a painful reminder of the urgent need for responsibility within our security agencies. We will not rest until justice is done for his family.”
Following Kariuki’s death on July 1, his family revealed that they were left with a hospital bill exceeding Ksh3.6 million. They said that despite the critical condition he had been in and the financial strain they were facing, neither the hospital nor any politician had stepped in to help pay the bill while he was still alive.
Although the Ksh1 million from President Ruto only covers a portion of the hospital costs, the leaders present clarified that the donation is specifically meant to assist the family with funeral expenses and related arrangements.
Boniface Kariuki, who earned a living selling face masks, was shot in the head on June 17 while attending to his small business near the protest crowds.
The demonstrations were being held to demand justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who had recently died while in police custody. Kariuki, unfortunately, found himself caught up in the chaos.
He underwent emergency surgery, and doctors were able to remove the bullet from his head. However, he never recovered. He was declared brain dead 12 days later and was confirmed clinically dead on July 1 after his heart stopped beating.
The family has announced that Kariuki will be laid to rest on July 11. His tragic death has sparked renewed calls for police accountability and justice for victims of police brutality in Kenya.
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