Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has been charged with the murder of the late mask vendor Boniface Kariuki.
This follows the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Igonga, to prefer murder charges against the constable after investigations were completed and evidence gathered. His co-accused, Duncan Kiprono—who was seen with him during the incident—has been set free.
However, the Nairobi High Court has ordered that Barasa undergo a mental assessment before being formally charged with the murder of Boniface Kariuki.
Constable Barasa, who was based at Kileleshwa Police Station, was captured in video footage of the shooting, charging toward a group of protestors on Mondlane Street near Imenti House. He was seen alongside Kiprono, allegedly roughing up Kariuki before fatally shooting him in the head at close range.
Kariuki was rushed to Bliss Medical Centre by concerned protestors before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite doctors’ efforts, he passed away on Monday, June 30th.
The incident sparked national outrage, coming just as the country was still reeling from the death of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Barasa and Kiprono were arrested on June 19th and arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where they were detained to allow for further investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Boniface Kariuki is set to be laid to rest at his rural home in Kangema, Murang’a County, following a requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.
– By Anthony Mwangi
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