The family of Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old mask vendor fatally shot by a police officer during the June 17 protests in Nairobi, has strongly criticised comments made by former police spokesperson Charles Owino.
Kariuki was shot at close range in the head by Officer Klinzy Barasa Masinde during demonstrations calling for justice over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who was allegedly murdered while in police custody.
Appearing on Citizen TV, Owino stunned viewers by suggesting that Kariuki may have provoked the officer. He claimed that in a widely circulated video of the incident, Kariuki can allegedly be heard insulting the police.
“If you listen closely to the video, Boniface says to the officer, ‘Ku… ya mama yako,’” Owino said, adding that although the provocation did not justify the shooting, it may have contributed to the officer’s reaction.
However, Owino acknowledged that the officer acted improperly, saying, “Barasa should not have responded by shooting. Police are trained to know when to use a firearm and when not to.”
Kariuki’s family, speaking during a press briefing at Kenyatta National Hospital where they confirmed his death, said they were deeply hurt by Owino’s remarks.
Family spokesperson and cousin, Emily Wanjira, tearfully responded, dismissing the former spokesperson’s claims and insisting Boniface was not part of the protest.
“I have also heard what the former spokesperson of NPS has said. Kindly, that’s not the right way. Our young man was selling masks; he was not protesting,” Wanjira said.
“He was nowhere near the protest. He was hustling for his life and his dad. He used to support his dad and was taken out while hustling,” she added, breaking down in tears.
Wanjira further appealed for public support to help the family settle the rising hospital bills, saying they were financially overwhelmed following the tragic loss.
