A wave of shock and outrage has engulfed Kenya following the reported shooting of prominent human rights activist Boniface Kariuki on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Nairobi’s bustling CBD.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, purportedly shows Kariuki being gunned down by unidentified assailants in broad daylight. This tragic event has prompted an outpouring of condemnation and calls for justice from Kenyan celebrities across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other digital platforms.
Musician Nameless, a long-time advocate for social justice, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a photo of Kariuki at a past protest.
“This is a dark day for Kenya. Boniface Kariuki fought for the voiceless, and now he’s been silenced by cowards with guns. #JusticeForBoniface #StopTheKillings,” he wrote, urging fans to join peaceful demonstrations.
His post, garnering over 50,000 likes, reflects the deep sorrow felt across the entertainment industry.
Maina Kageni reacted to the tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki, noting that he was “unarmed, compliant, and peaceful”, and calling it “a truly sad day.”
Actress Lupita Nyong’o, currently abroad but deeply tied to her Kenyan roots, shared an Instagram story featuring a black square and the text, “Heartbroken over Boniface Kariuki’s murder. His courage inspired us all. The government must act NOW. #KenyaBleeds.”
Her message, reaching her 9 million followers, sparked a flood of comments demanding accountability, quickly pushing #KenyaBleeds into trending status.
Comedian Eric Omondi took a confrontational approach, posting a video on Instagram where he declared, “Boniface Kariuki was a hero, and they shot him like a dog! This is state-sponsored terror. We’re not backing down—#OccupyStreets tomorrow!”
His post, initially paired with a graphic shooting scene image (later removed), racked up over 100,000 views, with fans pledging protest participation.
Singer Akothee shared an emotional live session on Instagram, tearfully stating, “Boniface was a brother to us all. They think bullets will stop us? No! We rise! #JusticeForBoniface.” Her raw emotion resonated, with comments like “We’re with you, Akothee!” driving the conversation further.
Media personality Julie Gichuru posted a detailed Instagram thread, linking Kariuki’s death to the earlier alleged murder of Albert Ojwang’.
“Two activists killed in weeks—coincidence? I think not. The pattern is clear: silence dissent at all costs. #InvestigateNow,” she wrote, attaching a petition link that quickly gathered 10,000 signatures, fueling online debates.
Rapper Khaligraph Jones added a cultural tribute, sharing a freestyle video on Instagram with lyrics like, “Boniface down, but the struggle lives on / Kenya’s blood cries, justice must dawn.” His somber beat and post have been widely shared, with fans using #KhaligraphForJustice to rally support.
Comedian Chipukeezy joined the chorus, posting a humorous yet poignant Instagram reel mimicking a news anchor, saying, “Breaking news: Kenya loses a hero, Boniface Kariuki. Time to laugh at corruption? No—time to fight! #JusticeForBoniface.”
Gospel artist Size 8 offered a spiritual perspective, sharing an Instagram post with a prayer and the caption, “Lord, comfort Boniface’s family. His sacrifice won’t be in vain. #PrayForKenya #JusticeForBoniface.”
Her message, liked by over 30,000 fans, blended faith with activism.
DJ Mo, a popular media figure, posted a mix session on Instagram Live, dedicating tracks to Kariuki and saying, “Boniface’s voice lives through our music. Let’s march for him! #JusticeForBoniface.” His live stream, viewed by 50,000, turned into a virtual protest hub.
The iconic band Sauti Sol collectively posted a joint statement across their social media, asserting, “The silence of the powerful is deafening. We stand with the truth. An attack on one activist is an attack on all. #JusticeForBonifaceKariuki.”
Bien-Aimé Baraza, lead singer of Sauti Sol, separately shared a stark image of Kariuki, captioning it, “We lose another one. When will this end? We demand answers. #StopKillingActivists.”
Veteran media personality Caroline Mutoko used her platforms to dissect the implications of the alleged assassination.
“This isn’t just about Boniface; it’s about the erosion of our fundamental rights. We must demand accountability, not just mourn. #KenyaMustBeFree.”
Activist and media personality Makena Njeri posted a powerful tribute emphasizing Kariuki’s fight for justice for all marginalized groups.
“Boniface championed freedom for EVERYONE. His blood cries out for a just society. Our voices will be louder now. #JusticeForAll.”
Popular comedian Njugush shared a more somber, less comedic post than usual, stating, “This pain is real. When those who speak truth are silenced, who will tell our story? #RIPBoniface.”
Rapper King Kaka, known for his politically charged music, shared a snippet of his song “Wajinga Nyinyi” (You Fools), with the caption: “The lyrics still ring true. How many more before we truly wake up? #WajingaNyinyiForJustice.”
The celebrity outcry aligns with mounting public fury, fuelled by unverified X reports suggesting security force involvement, though official police statements remain absent.
This incident follows heightened tensions from the alleged death of Albert Ojwang’ and occurs within a broader context of Kenya’s shrinking civic space, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch’s 2024 report.
By Geoffrey mbuthia
