Two police officers accused of assaulting and shooting face mask vendor Boniface Kariuki during protests in Nairobi will remain in custody for 15 days as investigations continue.
Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, 19th June. The court allowed the prosecution’s request to hold the officers longer to enable the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to finalize investigations.
“In an attempt to compromise by the applicant’s team and also since it has been conceded by the respondent, the two suspects will be remanded at the Capitol Hill Police Station for 15 days,” ruled the magistrate.
The officers were caught on video during Tuesday’s demonstrations near Imenti House. In the footage, one officer is seen slapping Kariuki, while the other strikes him with the butt of a gun. Moments later, Barasa is seen shooting him in the head at close range.
Kariuki was later confirmed to have been shot with a rubber bullet and remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Following the incident, the two officers were suspended from duty. Their lawyer, Felix Keaton, withdrew from the case citing safety concerns. “I have received over 1,000 messages and calls from Gen Z because of representing a police suspect,” he said. “As such, I hereby recuse myself from the conduct of the matter.”
Kariuki’s family, meanwhile, is demanding swift justice. “We want Barasa to be prosecuted fully. My son was unarmed and did nothing wrong,” said Kariuki’s mother.
The officers are expected back in court on 3rd July.