Chaos as Police Teargas Candlelight Vigil for Slain Hawker Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi CBD
A candlelight vigil in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on July 9 turned violent when police fired tear gas to disperse mourners paying tribute to Boniface Kariuki, a young hawker who was shot dead by police during anti-police brutality protests.
Kariuki was killed at close range by a police officer during nationwide protests sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang’. On Wednesday night, dozens of youth gathered at the spot where Kariuki was gunned down to light candles, sing and carry a banner with his portrait. The vigil was to honor his life and demand justice.
But the peaceful gathering was cut short when police moved in and started throwing tear gas, scattering the crowd. Videos on social media captured the emotional moment when mourners—many of them shaken—ran for cover as tear gas filled the air. Some of them stood their ground, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding police accountability despite the smoke.
One of the mourners was heard in a video saying, “I told you this would happen. Didn’t I tell you? You even saw their cars patrolling,” expressing the group’s fear of a police crackdown.
A requiem mass was held for Kariuki at All Saints Cathedral on July 9. Although the body was not present, the service was heavily guarded and had intense security checks due to fears of possible disruption.
“There were heavy security checks because there was fear and anticipation that rogue people would invade the church,” a security guard told The Standard, reflecting authorities’ fear that mourners would try to march with a coffin to the CBD.
Boniface Kariuki will be buried on July 11 in his family’s rural home in Kangema, Murang’a County. His death is still fuelling public anger and adding to demands for police reform and accountability in Kenya.
The authorities have not commented on the use of force at the vigil or the investigation into Kariuki’s killing. Advocacy groups and human rights organisations are expected to issue joint statements demanding independent investigations in the coming days.
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Chaos as Police Teargas Candlelight Vigil for Slain Hawker Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi CBD