Two police officers seen in a viral video shooting a hawker during recent protests in Nairobi will remain in police custody for 15 more days as investigations continue.
This decision was made by the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, June 19, following an agreement between the prosecution and the defence.
The officers, Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (Service No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (Service No. 117193), were brought to court to face charges related to the incident in which a hawker was badly injured.
The court ruled that they will be held at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 3 to give the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) enough time to finish its investigations.
The judge explained that the ruling was based on a mutual agreement by both parties involved. “In a spirit of compromise, and given the defence did not object, the two accused officers will be detained for 15 days to allow IPOA to complete the probe,” the judge declared.
The two officers came under public scrutiny after a disturbing video surfaced showing them attacking and shooting a face mask vendor, later identified as Boniface Kariuki, during protests in the city centre. The incident took place outside Imenti House on Mondlane Street.
In the widely circulated footage, Kariuki is seen with his hands raised when one of the officers slaps him.
A struggle follows, and the hawker falls to the ground. Constable Kiprono is then seen hitting him with the butt of his firearm.
Moments later, Constable Barasa is seen aiming directly at Kariuki’s head and firing at close range.
It was later confirmed that the hawker was shot with a rubber bullet and is now receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. His condition remains critical.
Following their arrest and court appearance, both officers were immediately suspended from duty as authorities continue looking into the matter.
The case has caused a major public outcry and drawn widespread condemnation on social media and from human rights groups.
In a surprising twist, the defence lawyer representing the two officers, Felix Keaton, withdrew from the case on the same day.
In a public statement, Keaton said he had been subjected to threats and harassment online because of his involvement in the controversial case.
“I have received over 1,000 calls and messages from members of the public, especially from the youth identifying as Gen Z, attacking me for defending police officers involved in this matter.
For the safety of myself and my family, I have decided to step down from this case,” Keaton announced.
Meanwhile, the family of Boniface Kariuki is calling for swift and decisive action. They are demanding that Constable Barasa, the officer seen firing the shot, be immediately prosecuted for his actions.
The case has sparked renewed debate about police brutality and the use of excessive force in Kenya, especially during protests. Many Kenyans are closely following the developments and demanding accountability and justice for Kariuki.
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