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During today’s ruling on 3rd July 2025 at the Milimani Law Courts, Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi stated that the officers should stay at Capital Hill Police Station for an additional seven days. This extension allows the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete its investigations.
The magistrate also expressed condolences to the family. “The judiciary stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased and is committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Magistrate Ekhubi concluded.
The two officers, Klinzy Barasa and Dancan Kiprono, had earlier been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts. The judge granted both the prosecution and the defense’s request to hold them for 21 days to facilitate further investigations by IPOA.
These officers were captured on camera assaulting the unarmed mask vendor during the protests on June 17th, before one of them shot him at point-blank range in the head. Kariuki was left bleeding on the ground, and fellow protesters rushed him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead days later.
In a somber announcement, family spokesperson Emily Wanjira confirmed the heartbreaking news of Boniface Kariuki’s passing, revealing that he died at 3:15 p.m. today. Her voice was filled with sorrow as she shared the devastating update.
“We will now need to settle the hospital bill, as we have been told he is no longer with us,” Emily said softly, highlighting the grim reality facing the family.
This tragedy unfolded just a day after the family received a distressing update from doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). On Sunday, June 29, 2025, they were informed that Boniface had been declared brain dead a diagnosis that left the family devastated.
Boniface’s father, Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, recounted the midnight call that shattered their hopes. He described how doctors told him that, while Boniface’s heart was still beating, his brain had ceased all activity.
“We were told that his brain has stopped functioning,” Jonah shared emotionally. “They did not say he was dead, but his brain is no longer responding. His heart is still beating, but we know his life is hanging by a thread.”
Amidst the grief, the family made a heartfelt plea to the Kenyan public. They are struggling to cover the mounting hospital expenses, which have already exceeded Ksh3 million.
“I am appealing to Kenyans for help to settle the hospital bill for our son,” Jonah implored. “We do not yet know the exact amount, but we need assistance to keep him connected to life-supporting care and to preserve his dignity.”
As the family grapples with loss and uncertainty, their hope now rests in the kindness of the community to help them through this painful ordeal.
The matter is now scheduled for a mention on 10th July 2025.
