KANGEMA, KENYA - JULY 11, 2025: A funeral ceremony was held Friday, July 11, in the town of Kangema, located in Kenya’s Murang’a region, for Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor who was shot dead by police during protests last month. Kariuki was among several people killed when security forces opened fire on demonstrators during nationwide protests against government policies. His death sparked outrage among residents and human rights groups, who have condemned the use of excessive force by police. The funeral was attended by family members, local residents, and civil society representatives, who called for justice and accountability for the killing. Anti-government protests have intensified across the East African country in recent days, fueled by anger over police brutality, economic hardship, and calls for President William Ruto’s resignation. Demonstrators have stormed police stations and clashed with security forces, with videos circulating online showing widespread unrest. During the recent Saba Saba anniversary protests, 31 people were killed at the hands of the police and more than 500 arrested, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Reporting by Gerald Anderson // Writing by Mustafa Tuncer