The family of the mask vendor who was shot at close range during the June 17, 2025, demonstration in Nairobi, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, has announced that they will be requiring a private pathologist to conduct the postmortem on their deceased kin.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, flanked by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, the family spokesperson, Emily Wanjira, stated they will engage a private pathologist due to the nature of the case.
According to Emily Wanjiru, preparations for his burial will commence after the postmortem is conducted.
“We have not done any preparations for the burial because we have to conduct a post-mortem due to the nature of the case. We have not decided on the day for the postmortem yet. We will be requiring a private pathologist for the same,” she said.
Her sentiments come a day after the family and their area MP, Peter Irungu (Kangema) claimed that they had not been allowed to record a statement on the incident.
On Monday, June 30, 2025, the mask vendor’s father, Jonah Kariuki, confirmed that Kariuki passed away at 3:15 p.m.
He had been in the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital since June 17, 2025, after he was shot at close range while hawking masks in the city during protests to demand justice for Albert Ojwang.
Before being confirmed dead, Wanjiru had informed the public that Kariuki had been declared brain dead.
The shooting
Two police officers involved in the incident, caught on camera, are in custody as police investigate the matter.
Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were detained on June 19, 2025, at the Capitol Hill police station for 15 days pending investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The officers shot Boniface Mwangi Kariuki on June 17, 2025, along Mondlane Street, as police dispersed demonstrators.
He was rushed by good Samaritans to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent surgery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.
The DCI arrested the officers on June 18, 2025, and booked them at the Capitol Hill Police Station.
