- A group of Kenyan TikTokers visited Boniface Kariuki’s grave in Kangema and shared photos of the seemingly neglected resting place
- Kariuki had been shot at close range by a police officer during CBD protests last year and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
- The visit came sparked debate online, with some questioning Muthee Kiengei’s recent interaction with President William Ruto compared to his earlier remarks at Kariuki’s funeral
A section of Kenyan TikTokers has honoured the memory of Boniface Kariuki, the city hawker who died after being shot during protests in Nairobi’s CBD in June last year.
Source: Facebook
Kariuki’s death sparked national outrage at the time, with many Kenyans demanding justice and an end to police brutality.
What happened to Boniface Kariuki?
The hawker found himself in a confrontation with two armed police officers while selling face masks to protesters.
Though unarmed and only holding a box of masks, he was assaulted by an officer later identified as Kingsley Barasa.
The officer was seen firing at him at close range, shooting him in the head and leaving him critically injured.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was initially declared brain dead before later succumbing to his injuries.
Kariuki had been selling masks to demonstrators who were protesting the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
His death united many Kenyans, who called for accountability and reforms in policing during protests.
What did TikTokers do at Boniface Kariuki’s grave?
Months after his burial, a group of Kenyan TikTokers travelled to Kariuki’s rural home in Kangema, Murang’a county, to pay their respects.
Among those present were MC Chris Kirubi and Priscilla wa Imani.
Photos shared online showed them standing next to Kariuki’s final resting place, which appeared dilapidated and neglected.
The wooden cross at the grave seemed worn, with the group posing beside it while holding a Kenyan flag. Kariuki’s mother also joined them for the photos, her face etched in grief.
“Today we visited Mama Boni from just a TikTok suggestion live. We met new faces, same agenda. The spirit is still awake! Only the truth and justice,” Kirubi wrote on Facebook.
He also shared Kariuki’s mother’s contact, urging well-wishers to support her.
Source: Twitter
Why did TikTokers visit Boniface Kariuki’s grave?
Kariuki was buried with the involvement of Muthee Kiengei, the bishop of JCM church, after claims emerged that he was a member of the congregation.
However, Kariuki’s death became a hot talking point ahead of President William Ruto’s recent visit to Kiengei’s main church in Ruiru.
A section of Kenyans questioned what they termed as a shift in tone, drawing comparisons between Kiengei’s earlier explosive remarks directed at Ruto during Kariuki’s funeral and his recent interaction with him at his church, where he donated about KSh 8 million and pledged more.
In additional posts, Kirubi appeared to criticise the preacher, alleging that he had moved away from championing youth concerns following his engagement with the political elite.
See the post below:
Did a JCM Preacher Resign After Ruto’s Visit?
In a related story, Charles Wachira resigned as the U.S. lead pastor of JCM church, shortly before President Ruto’s visit to the church’s main branch.
Wachira explained that his decision was due to disagreements over leadership practices and public engagements, which he said had caused unease among some congregation members.
His resignation sparked mixed reactions online.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
