Klinzy Barasa: Officer Accused of Killing Mask Seller Seeks Bail, Says Wife Threatens to Leave

Police Constable Klinzy Barasa, who is facing murder charges for allegedly shooting a mask vendor, has applied for bail, claiming his continued detention is tearing apart his family.

The officer said that since his arrest, his wife has been under unbearable pressure, his children have been missing school, and his sick mother has been left without support.

Barasa’s application has now created a heated legal battle between his lawyers, who argue he deserves temporary freedom, and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), which insists he should remain in custody until trial. The High Court in Nairobi is expected to deliver its ruling on the matter in September.

Barasa’s Plea for Bail

In an urgent request filed before the High Court in Milimani, Barasa pleaded with the court to grant him bail until the case proceeds to trial. He told the court that he is the only breadwinner in his family and that his absence has left his loved ones struggling.

In his written statement, Barasa said his wife, who is unemployed, cannot afford to provide basic needs such as food and rent.

He added that his two young children are frequently missing school because of unpaid fees, while his ailing mother has no access to the emergency medical care she often requires.

The officer further revealed that his wife has threatened to walk away from the marriage because of the unbearable stress she is facing. “My family has been living in hardship every day since my arrest. The pressure is too much for them, and it could break us apart.

This situation is not only destroying me but will also harm my children and my mother who fully depend on me,” Barasa said in his affidavit.

He went on to argue that refusing him bail would be unfair, as it would completely destroy the lives of his wife, children, and mother before the case is even concluded.

Defence Arguments

Barasa’s defence team, led by lawyer Vincent Yegon, anchored their arguments on Article 49 (1)(h) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to bail on reasonable conditions.

They told the court that Barasa has no intention of fleeing from justice, as he owns permanent homes in both Kayole, Nairobi, and Bungoma County. The lawyers also assured the court that the officer would strictly obey all bail conditions and attend his trial whenever required.

IPOA’s Opposition

On the other hand, IPOA opposed Barasa’s request for release. In a document filed by Assistant Director of Investigations Sarah Mwea, the authority asked the court to continue holding him in prison. While the detailed reasons for opposing bail were not included in the document, IPOA stressed that keeping him in custody was in the interest of justice.

Court’s Next Step

Lady Justice Margaret Muigai directed both parties to submit their final written arguments before September 16, when she will deliver her ruling on whether Barasa will remain behind bars or be freed on bail as his family hopes.

Barasa’s Not-Guilty Plea

In July, Barasa had appeared before the Mountain Law Courts to answer murder charges related to the killing of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a mask vendor who was allegedly shot at close range. During that hearing, Barasa pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Kanyi Kimondo.

His lawyers pushed for his release on bail at the time, arguing that he posed no threat to the ongoing case and was ready to cooperate fully with investigators and the court.

However, the prosecution strongly objected, pointing out the seriousness of the charge and the possible risk of witness interference if he were released.

Now, all eyes are on the High Court to see whether Barasa will remain in custody or rejoin his family as he awaits the outcome of his trial.

Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30