Opposition chiefs slam Ruto's shoot the leg order at Boniface Kariuki's burial

Opposition leaders during Boniface Kariuki's burial at Iyego in Kangema, Murang'a

Opposition leaders have condemned President William Ruto’s shoot-on-the-legs order saying it’s against the constitution.

The leaders who spoke during the burial of hawker Boniface Kariuki who lost his life after being shot on the head by a police officer during protests, said enough blood has been shed in the country since the Gen Zs started protesting in June last year.

Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka who led the group said the President has confirmed that he was the source of shoot to kill orders issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen late last month.

Murkomen had back then stated that he had received instructions ‘from above’ with his statement sparking uproar from Kenyans.

He said the President has gone on record internationally as having gone against the constitution to order his citizens shot.

“Never mind that he said shoot them on the legs. Rex Maasai was shot on the leg and died. How will they ensure they only shoot the legs?” he wondered.

“The President has made it clear that Murkomen was acting under his express instructions. What has gone on record internationally is that Ruto has breached the law he swore to uphold in making the order,” he added, urging the President to avoid addressing Kenyans in anger.

He pointed out that over 140 youths have lost their lives in the hands of police officers since 2023 while many others have sustained life-long injuries.

“Others have had their properties looted by goons in an attempt to paint some leaders in a negative manner, that they are sending goons to loot properties in their own areas.”

He asked Governor Irungu Kang’ata to consult local MCAs and ensure a street is named after Kariuki to immortalise him.

Kalonzo also led a fundraising that saw leaders present contribute towards the family, urging Bishop Ben Kiengei of Jesus Christ Compassionate Ministry Church who led the burial service to establish a trust to support the family.

He also noted that former Attorney General Justin Muturi will lead a team of lawyers in fighting for justice for Kariuki’s family.

This was in response to Kang’ata who urged political leaders in the opposition and who are also lawyers, to volunteer their services to support the family.

“Muturi is on the case. Don’t worry. We will ensure this family in compensated for Kariuki’s death,” he added.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said it was unfortunate that Kariuki lost his life even though he was not a threat to anybody.

In a speech read by Kalonzo, Gachagua celebrated Kariuki for his hard work, saying he lost his life while fending for his family.

DAP leader Eugene Wamalwa said over 50 youths have lost their lives to police brutality this year.

“Last year, we saw many youths shot on the head. I attended Rex Maasai’s burial who was a descendant of Muindi Mbingu. Enough blood shed. Stop these extrajudicial killings now.”

Tension had earlier engulfed the village when a contingent of police officers were deployed to the area amid rumors that some unknown youths were planning to cause chaos.

His mother Susan Njeri said he had called Kariuki shortly before he lost his life, and urged him not to join the nationwide protests by youths against police brutality on June 25.

“You asked to talk to your sisters. Little did we know that you were saying goodbye to us,” Njeri said in her tribute.

His father Johna Kariuki vowed to ensure the plans they had put in place are realized, saying he had high hopes for his only son.

Tens of leaders who attended the burial took the chance to condole with the family and condemn police brutality saying that Kariuki’s life was cut short too young.

Other leaders who attended the burial included Amos Mwago (Starehe), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a senator), Okiya Omtata (Busia Senator), James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and several former MPs.