Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has publicly expressed regret for campaigning for what he calls a “heartless government,” vowing to ensure President William Ruto, referred to as “Kasongo,” serves only one term.
Speaking at the burial of Boniface Kariuki in Kangema on July 11, Kang’ata declared, “We will never forgive them for killing our son, Boniface Kariuki,” sparking widespread discussion on social media.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions during the Saba Saba 2025 protests, fueled by public outrage over police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship.
Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor, was fatally shot in the head by police on June 17, 2025, during protests in Nairobi’s CBD sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
Kariuki succumbed to his injuries on June 30 at Kenyatta National Hospital, with an autopsy revealing four bullet fragments lodged in his brain.
The incident, captured on video, led to murder charges against two officers, Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, with a plea hearing set for July 28.
Kang’ata, a trained lawyer, pledged to represent Kariuki’s family, stating, “I will stand with the family of Kariuki and ensure justice is served, no matter how long it takes.”
Kang’ata’s shift from a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) supporter to a critic reflects growing discontent with Ruto’s administration.
His comments at the funeral, where mourners danced around Kariuki’s coffin draped in a Kenyan flag, echoed opposition demands for Ruto’s resignation over his call for police to “shoot and break the legs” of protesters.
Irungu Kangata: I regret campaigning for this heartless government. We are going to make Kasongo a one-term president. We will never forgive them for kiIIing our son, Boniface Kariuki. pic.twitter.com/bct3qNBEU6
— Cornelius Kariuki Ronoh (@itskipronoh) July 11, 2025
Kang’ata’s resolve to make Ruto a “one-term president,” citing Kariuki’s killing as emblematic of state violence. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 16 deaths during the June 25 protests, intensifying calls for police reform.
As Kenya navigates economic challenges, with public debt at 68% of GDP, and ongoing Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2025, Kang’ata’s stance signals a political realignment.
