Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor in Nairobi's Central Business District, tragically died from a severe head injury sustained during protests on June 17, 2025, after being shot at close range by a police officer. An autopsy conducted on Thursday, July 3, by pathologist Peter Ndegwa, alongside government pathologist Bernard Midia, confirmed the cause of death was a single gunshot, revealing four bullet fragments remained in his brain even after two were surgically removed. Ndegwa affirmed that Kariuki's brain was severely damaged, making survival minimal and confirming the authenticity of video footage showing the fatal shooting.

Kariuki was initially shot on June 17 and succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 30, at Kenyatta National Hospital, after being declared brain-dead on June 29 following weeks in intensive care. His father, Jonah Kariuki, confirmed his death. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and demands for justice. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) took over the investigation from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) due to the death resulting from police action.

Police Constables Klinzy Masinde Barasa (Kayole Police Station) and Duncan Kiprono (Kileleshwa Police Station) were arrested in connection with the shooting. They were initially arraigned on Thursday, June 5, but the hearing was adjourned, and charges were expected to be amended from grievous harm to murder. On July 3, Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered their continued detention at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10, 2025. This extension, initially requested for 14 days by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) but reduced to seven days by mutual agreement with defense lawyers, was to allow IPOA to finalize ongoing investigations. Although IPOA had initially sought to extract DNA samples from the suspects, this request was later withdrawn.

IPOA's ongoing inquiry, under case file IPOA/INV/518/2025, requires more time for crucial forensic work, including ballistic testing of firearms and exhibits, analysis of CCTV footage, collection of hospital records, authentication of video footage via the Communications Authority, and interviewing key civilian and police witnesses. IPOA argued that releasing the active-duty officers could lead to witness interference or evidence tampering. The court emphasized the gravity and public interest of the incident, necessitating a thorough and independent investigation.

In response to Kariuki's death, President William Ruto reportedly donated Ksh1 million to his family, presented by Kangema MP Peter Irungu Kihungi and other dignitaries. The Law Society of Kenya, IPOA, and several human rights organizations have condemned the incident as an abuse of police authority, calling for accountability. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja publicly distanced the service from the incident, vowing that rogue officers would not be protected. Magistrate Ekhubi also expressed condolences to Kariuki's family on behalf of the Judiciary during the court session. Boniface Kariuki's burial is scheduled for Friday, July 11, in Kangema.