Felix Keaton, who was defending officers Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, has officially withdrawn from the case, citing a wave of threats allegedly linked to the online youth movement commonly referred to as “Gen Z”.
The two officers are under investigation following the tragic shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor who was selling face masks along Moi Avenue during Tuesday’s demonstrations.
Keaton confirmed on Wednesday that he had stepped down from the high-profile case, citing serious concerns for his own and his family’s safety.
“In the interest of my personal safety and that of my family, I have taken the painful but necessary decision to cease all legal representation in this matter,” Keaton said in a statement. He added that he had received more than 1,000 threatening calls and messages warning him to abandon the case.
The incident has intensified the growing push by Kenyan youth to demand accountability for police brutality, with many leveraging social media to challenge those connected to controversial cases directly.
The arraignment of Barasa and Kiprono on charges of assault and attempted murder marks a critical moment in the country’s ongoing struggle with police brutality and impunity.
The officers are scheduled to appear in court again later today for further directions, including matters relating to bail and formal charges.
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