Kenyan Protests Escalate: The Tragic Deaths and the Outcry Against Police Brutality

In a tragic escalation of events, Boniface Kariuki, who was shot at close range by a police officer during protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, has died, his family confirmed on Monday.

The protests have intensified scrutiny on the issue of police brutality in Kenya, leading to the arrest of two police officers implicated in Kariuki's shooting. His death has reignited public anger, as it highlights a longstanding concern over excessive police force in handling government critics.

Despite promises from President William Ruto to eradicate police brutality, recent remarks by Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen have sparked controversy. He ordered police to shoot anyone approaching police stations during protests and to stand firm unless outnumbered, drawing criticism from the Kenya Law Society for inciting potentially unlawful actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)