Starehe MP Urges President Ruto to Read Slain Hawker Boniface Mwangi’s Eulogy

By Faith Chebotip

Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago has called on President William Ruto to personally read the eulogy of Boniface Mwangi, the young hawker fatally shot by police during recent anti-government protests in Nairobi.

Speaking emotionally at Mwangi’s burial in Murang’a, MP Mwago said the President must understand the human cost of police brutality, calling Mwangi’s death “murder by this government.”

“It’s sad to bury a young man whose dreams we’ll never know,” said Mwago. “Give Ruto that eulogy and let him read it. Boniface was not a criminal. His only crime was trying to make a living in a country that has failed its youth.”

Mwangi, who sold face masks in downtown Nairobi, was shot on June 17 during nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill and widespread youth unemployment. His death has sparked national outrage, becoming a symbol of alleged police excesses during the protests.

At the funeral, attended by hundreds of mourners and political leaders, Mwago urged Kenyans not to forget the circumstances of Mwangi’s death.

“Let Boniface’s story remind us that we must vote wisely. This government must go,” he added, prompting chants of support from the crowd.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, also present at the burial, vowed to help Mwangi’s family seek justice. The governor, a lawyer by profession, pledged to represent them in court.

“These cases take time, but I will not stop until justice is done,” Kang’ata said. “This is not just about Boniface. It’s about every young person whose voice has been silenced by a bullet.”

He further urged the national government to stop using police force against peaceful demonstrators, and instead, focus on addressing the root causes of youth unrest.