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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved murder charges against Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old mask vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17, 2025.
His colleague, Constable Duncan Kiprono, has been released without charges due to insufficient evidence, according to court proceedings.
The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred during protests sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
The footage shows Barasa, in uniform, assaulting Kariuki before shooting him in the head at close range along Moi Avenue.
Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa captured on camera shooting a mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17, 2025.
Kariuki, who was selling face masks, collapsed instantly and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on June 30, 2025, after undergoing emergency surgery and being placed on life support.
The ODPP’s decision follows investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
IPOA’s inquiry, supported by an affidavit from Assistant Director of Investigations Sarah Mwea, confirmed Barasa’s involvement in the shooting.
The court, presided over by Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, had previously detained both officers for 15 days, followed by an additional seven days, to allow for forensic analysis, including ballistic testing and authentication of video evidence.
Constable Kiprono, who was present during the incident, was seen in the video restraining himself as Barasa carried out the attack. Investigations concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge Kiprono, leading to his release.
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The shooting reignited public outrage over police brutality in Kenya, with civil rights groups and citizens demanding justice.
Boniface Mwangi Kariuki's family at Kenyatta National Hospital on June 29, 2025
The Law Society of Kenya president, Faith Odhiambo, described the act as unjustified and premeditated, calling for severe punishment to deter similar incidents.
Kariuki’s family, devastated by the loss, said that he was the family’s breadwinner and was not involved in the protests.
Magistrate Ekhubi expressed condolences to Kariuki’s family during the court session, stating, “On behalf of the Judiciary, I send condolences to the family and relatives of Kariuki… poleni sana, may God give you peace following the demise of your loved one.”
Barasa is set to take a plea for murder at the Milimani Law Courts, with the case drawing significant attention amid ongoing calls for police reform.
The National Police Service (NPS) has described the incident as “unjustified” and assured the public of its commitment to justice.