Bishop Muthee Kiengei has shared heartbreaking images of Kenyans mourning Boniface Kariuki, a hawker shot dead at point-blank range by a police officer during demonstrations.

The burial took place on Friday, 11 July, in his home village in Murang’a county and drew a large crowd, including family, friends, activists, and political figures.

At one point, Kiengei, who led the ceremony, began singing to calm the tense crowd, eventually bringing some peace.

Boniface’s mother, Susan Njeri, was overcome with grief and fainted twice—once during the body viewing and again during her tribute—requiring help from the Mike Sonko Rescue Team.

On Saturday, 12 July, Kiengei reflected on the sombre day while sharing images from the burial.

“Boniface was a story that was supposed to be, though cut short by a policeman from his own country, how sad that we've lost a 22-year-old young mask vendor who worked hard to send something home.

A quiet young man in the church and vibrant amongst his friends has been laid to rest, and all his visions and dreams are now silenced,” he wrote.

Kiengei expressed hope that Kenyans would not lose another young life.

“Kenya is enough for us all, let's live in peace and harmony. Rest well, Bonnie,” he wrote.

To President William Ruto, Kiengei said:

"This generation requires only a listening ear—they are saying something. Please request your team to stop chest-thumping and brutalising this generation; they are only looking for an understanding friend."

In the accompanying images, Kiengei and other priests were seen preaching at the requiem mass before Kariuki’s casket was lowered into the grave.

Heartbreaking scenes were witnessed as mourners, some holding the Kenyan flag, bitterly cried in pain.

Pained Kenyans grieved, writing:

Cira Wa Wanjiku:

“The pain cannot be faked.”

Rósèy:

“So heartbreaking.”

Rose Wairimu:

“May God protect our children, may He hide them in the shadow of His wings.”

Wairimu Grace:

“This is too painful. Dear God, please heal our nation.”

In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that tension rose during the burial of Boniface when Gen Z mourners dramatically carried his coffin to the grave, chanting slogans like “Ruto Must Go!” and “Wantam.”

The emotional crowd, draped in grief and defiance, surrounded the grave as the white coffin, covered with a Kenyan flag, was carefully placed for burial.

A moment of panic struck when the casket appeared loosely shut, but pallbearers managed to steady it.

Political leaders stood silently nearby, visibly moved but choosing not to intervene.

As the chants continued and some mourners wailed, efforts were made to hold back the crowd to prevent them from falling into the grave.

Source: TUKO.co.ke