By Ebi Kesiena
Tensions in Kenya have escalated as opposition leaders call for President William Ruto’s resignation following his controversial remarks urging police to shoot and “break the legs” of those caught looting or destroying property during protests.
Speaking at the burial of 29-year-old Boniface Kariuki, a civilian fatally shot by police during an anti-brutality protest, opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka described Ruto’s statements as unconstitutional. He urged the President to resign or face impeachment. Kariuki, a street vendor, was selling face masks at a June 17 protest when he was shot in the head by a police officer at close range. His death has become a symbol of growing public outrage over police violence.
Human rights organisations have condemned Ruto’s comments and called for restraint from security forces. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports that over 50 people have died in protests since the start of the year, triggered by the custodial death of blogger Albert Ojwang and compounded by Kariuki’s killing.
Kariuki’s funeral in Murang’a County drew a large, emotional crowd. His white coffin was draped in a Kenyan flag, and images of his shooting were placed beside it. Mothers of other victims, local leaders, and thousands of mourners attended the event, demanding justice. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata vowed accountability, saying, “The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface.”
Four police officers are currently in custody for protest-related deaths. One, Klinzy Barasa, will enter a plea for Kariuki’s murder on July 28. Three others face charges in the death of Ojwang, whose autopsy contradicted police claims of self-inflicted injuries.
