What was meant to be a solemn candlelight vigil for Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor tragically killed during recent protests, turned into chaos on Friday night as police officers lobbed tear gas canisters into a peaceful crowd of mourners gathered in Nairobi’s Gikomba area.

Kariuki, known among locals for his cheerful demeanor and commitment to selling protective face masks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, had become an unlikely symbol of resilience in a struggling economy. His death during the Saba Saba protests, allegedly from a bullet wound sustained during a police crackdown, sparked outrage among civil society groups, informal traders, and human rights defenders across the country.

On the evening of the vigil, dozens of Nairobi residents, clergy, activists, and fellow hawkers gathered to honour Kariuki’s memory with flowers, candles, and prayers. But the quiet tribute quickly descended into panic when police stormed the scene without warning, citing unlawful assembly and alleged security threats.

Eyewitnesses reported that uniformed officers began dispersing the crowd moments after a speaker urged the government to investigate the excessive use of force by security agencies. Tear gas filled the air as attendees scrambled for safety, some collapsing from fumes while others rushed to assist the elderly and children caught in the chaos.

“This was not a protest. This was a vigil. We were mourning one of our own,” said Mariam Atieno, a local vendor who had worked alongside Kariuki for years. “What kind of government fears candles and prayers?”

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has since condemned the disruption, calling it a violation of the public’s right to mourn peacefully and demand justice. Advocacy groups are now demanding an independent inquest into Kariuki’s death and greater accountability for police conduct during protests.

As the nation grapples with grief and rising calls for reform, Boniface Kariuki’s name continues to resonate, not just as a victim but as a powerful reminder of the human cost of unchecked state force.