Kenyans are honoring Boniface Kariuki, the young mask vendor who was shot in the head by a police officer, in powerful and heartfelt ways.
Outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s busy CBD, where the shooting happened, a small shrine has been created. On the railings, people have placed white roses, stones, and pages from newspapers reporting the tragic incident.
The once-busy corner, usually passed by without a second thought, has become a place of silence and reflection.
Some passersby stop and pray. Others simply lower their heads before walking away. Petals lie gently on the pavement, fluttering in the wind alongside old newspapers—simple, quiet symbols of loss and protest.
Boniface Kariuki: Mask Seller Shooting
Boniface was standing alone near that spot on Tuesday, June 17, selling masks during protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. A video that has since gone viral shows two police officers walking past him, then turning back. One shoves him. The other raises his rifle and shoots him in the head at close range.
Boniface, unarmed and not resisting, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. He remains in critical condition, but he survived.
The video shocked the country. But instead of silence, Kenyans responded with solidarity.
One of them, comedian and activist Eric Omondi, has now called on Kenyans to wear masks during upcoming protests as a tribute to Boniface.
On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForBonifaceKariuki is trending. People are calling for justice, accountability, and an end to police violence. Public figures have added their voices.
“Let us all wear a face mask in his honor,” Eric said in a video. “Even if you don’t need one—put it on for Boniface. Let them see us.”
The idea has quickly caught on. Protesters online and on the ground are already planning to show up masked—not for health reasons, but for unity, remembrance, and protest.
By Vivian K.