- Kariuki died from a serious brain injury caused by a gunshot
- Autopsy shows four bullet fragments lodged in his skull
- He passed on July 1 after 12 days in the ICU at KNH
- Burial set for July 11 in Kangema
- President Ruto donated Ksh1 million toward funeral costs
The tragic end of Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi hawker shot during the Gen Z protests, has been officially confirmed by an autopsy. Pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa revealed on July 3 that Kariuki suffered a fatal head injury after being hit by a bullet at close range.
“We retrieved four metal fragments from his brain,” said Dr. Ndegwa, confirming that the injury was the direct cause of death.
The family has now set Friday, July 11, as the date for Kariuki’s burial, which will take place in Kangema, Murang’a County.
His relatives had earlier expressed concern over the huge hospital bill, which had grown to over Ksh3.6 million, saying they were yet to receive any help from leaders or Kenyatta National Hospital, where Kariuki had been treated.
Kariuki had been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital’s ICU since June 17 after sustaining a gunshot wound during the anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi. Despite a rushed surgery to remove the bullet, doctors later declared him brain dead, and he was finally confirmed dead after 12 days of fighting.
He was shot while selling face masks to demonstrators who were protesting the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who had died while in police custody.
President William Ruto, through Kangema MP Peter Irungu Kihungi, donated Ksh1 million to assist the family with funeral arrangements. The donation was delivered on July 2 during a condolence visit by Murang’a leaders.
MP Kihungi was joined by Woman Rep Betty Maina, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, and MCA Moses Muchiri.
“We brought the President’s condolences and his pledge to support justice for the late Kariuki,” MP Kihungi said.
While the donation won’t clear the entire bill, it comes as a symbolic gesture from the Head of State to a family that has waited too long for accountability and care.
