President William Ruto has donated Ksh1 million to the family of Boniface Kariuki to aid in funeral arrangements.

The donation was delivered on his behalf by Murang’a MPs Betty Maina, Mary Wamaua (Maragua), and Kangema’s Peter Irungu Kihungi.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Kihungi noted that he visited the home of the late Boniface Mwangi Kariuki to offer his condolences and stand in solidarity with the grieving family.

“Murang’a MPs regret the incident and are working around the clock to ensure Mwangi gets justice,” said Maina as she handed over the president’s contribution.

Boniface Mwangi, a hardworking hawker known for selling masks in Nairobi’s CBD, was shot at close range during the June 17 demonstrations.

He remained in the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital until June 30, when he succumbed to his injuries at 3:15 p.m.

“It is true he passed on more than an hour ago. The family will give you more details,” confirmed a KNH official.

The family held prayers on Wednesday, July 2, as they announced July 11 as the date for Boniface’s burial.

MP Kihungi, who visited the family, said their major concern was the inability to record a police statement regarding the incident.

“We spent time with the family, listened to their pain, and assured them of our full support,” Kihungi said.

He added, “The representative from PS Raymond Omollo’s office committed to following up immediately to ensure this process is facilitated without further delay. We will not rest until justice is done.”

Family spokesperson Abel Kinyanjui demanded murder charges be brought against the two police officers linked to the fatal shooting, both of whom are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Maina mourned Mwangi on her Facebook page, describing him as a “hardworking hawker.”

“It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one under such painful and unjust circumstances, especially someone who was healthy, dedicated, and hustling to make an honest living,” she wrote.

“We must relentlessly pursue justice for Boniface while calling on our police officers to exercise restraint and protect, not harm, innocent Kenyans,” she added.

The government has since waived the Ksh800,000 hospital bill, a gesture appreciated by the family.

“We appreciate that the government waived the hospital bill of Sh800,000, and we are now focused on giving our brother a decent sendoff,” said Kihungi.

He also emphasized the need to empower the family financially, especially in supporting the education of Boniface’s three sisters.

Residents and clergy joined in mourning the fallen hawker. Rev Mercy Wangu and Beatrice Wairimu remembered him as a humble and generous man.

“The little he gained from the hawking business was shared with the family,” Wairimu said.

She urged the government to rebuild trust between the police and the public.

“Let’s forge a relationship with the youth, and those in authority should listen to the voices of the youth to avoid chaos in the future,” she said.

As Githunguri village prepares for Boniface’s burial, the cry for justice continues to echo far beyond Murang’a.