The family of slain mask vendor Boniface Kariuki has responded to claims by ex-police spokesperson Charles Owino about their son.

The 22-year-old was shot point‑blank in the head by a police officer, Klinzy Barasa Masinde, during the June 17 protest in the CBD.

The protests were held to demand justice over the sad killing of Albert Ojwang, a teacher who was murdered while in police custody.

Charles Owino left Kenyans stunned by his remarks while appearing on Citizen TV's morning show.

According to him, Boniface Kariuki was shot by the police officer because he insulted the man in uniform, hence provoking him.

He claimed that when you listen to the video closely, you will hear Boniface saying to the police, 'Ku... ya mama yako".

However, he noted that at the same time, Baraza should not have responded by shooting the young man, as he should have shown restraint.

He noted that the incident had ruined the image of the police, who are trained to know when to use a firearm and when not to.

Boniface Kariku's family hits back at Charles Owino

During a presser at the Kenyatta Hospital to confirm the death of their son, the family of the late could not help but respond to Owino.

The family spokesperson and cousin to Boniface, Emily Wanjira, wondered why Owino would use such claims to justify the death of her beloved.

She noted that it was not the right way to go about it, as their son was only selling marks and was not even part of the protests.

"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. He was nowhere in that protest, but was hustling for his life and his dad. He used to support his dad and was taken out while hustling," she said, amidst tears.

The young lady said the family has nothing to repay the bill and hoped that Kenyans would help to offset the bill.

Here are some of the reactions to her speech:

@BreakTheKnown said:

He was trying to survive. Not loot. Not destroy. Just live. And now he’s gone, with a Sh3.6M bill his family can’t afford. Who will answer for this?"

@chief_maru said:

"There is no way anyone shot in such close range can survive, the doctors tried their best. May God give this family strength and may Boniface's soul rest in eternal peace. Thoughts and prayers."

@Suamezra said:

"The government should pay for all the bills."

@wainainalex said:

"You kill an innocent man, then you leave his family with the burden of not only losing their loved one, but also the huge burden of costs. The Curses are piling up."

@TalebOgola74037 said:

"That shooting was really uncalled for."

@moseswawori said:

"You will now get to understand how the judicial system is rotten,this case may take 2-3yrs when all the evidence is clear to even the judge himself!, Why waste time and resources for such a clear case?"

Source: TUKO.co.ke