Opposition wants Murkomen ousted over hawker's killing by police

Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa at Githurai 45 to condole with the family of Boniface Kariuki, a 22 year old mask vendor who was shot at close range by police during the recent protests. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Opposition leaders have demanded the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the death of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, a mask seller shot by police during protests in Nairobi, on June 17.

Kariuki, who had been in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, after spending over two weeks in the ICU.

Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition leaders on Tuesday visited Kariuki's family in Githurai 45, to offer condolences and call for accountability over what they termed slaughter of unarmed youth by police.

"We have come here to condole with the family of Boniface Kariuki, whose life was tragically lost after being shot by a police officer during the protests against the killing of Albert Ojwang in police custody. We have asked our lawyers, together with the People's Justice Commission chaired by JB Muturi, to ensure justice is served and exemplary damages awarded," he said.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said they will support a motion in Parliament to impeach Murkomen. "We are urging our MPs to support an impeachment motion against Murkomen. As the opposition, together with our lawyers, we will walk this journey with the family," he said.

He criticised the government, blaming Murkomen and President William Ruto for enabling police brutality. "The youth are being killed recklessly by the police, and Kenyans are tired of the spilling of blood of the Gen Z. Boniface Kariuki had gone to hustle, and was shot by the police. He was unarmed and had no issues with anyone. He didn't just die, he was killed by the police," said Wamalwa.

At the Kariuki family home, grief hung heavy in the air as relatives struggled to come to terms with their loss.

"We are sad about the passing of my son, who was killed without doing any mistake. He was just doing his work. We have not started any burial plans; we are just about to begin the process," said Kariuki's father, Jonah Kariuki.