Boniface Kariuki: 2 Police Officers Who Attacked, Shot Mask Vendor Detained for 7 More Days
- A Nairobi court extended the detention of two police officers suspected of fatally shooting a young mask vendor during a crowd dispersal operation in the CBD
- New forensic leads prompted IPOA to request more time for a thorough investigation into the June 17 incident
- The victim’s family received presidential condolences and financial support, but they continue to demand justice and accountability amid mounting public pressure
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, security expert Isaac Mwakio said the officers' detention extension was legally necessary and symbolically vital
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has made progress in the probe into the police shooting of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi.
Source: Original
The authority was granted an additional seven days to complete its investigation into the fatal police shooting of the 25-year-old.
Boniface was shot on June 17, along Moi Avenue in Nairobi, during a police crowd dispersal operation.
According to eyewitnesses, he was unarmed and not involved in any protest activity at the time. He had been selling surgical masks, as he did regularly, when officers confronted him for allegedly obstructing the walkway.
Video footage from the scene, which later went viral, captured a disturbing sequence where one officer appeared to shove Boniface, and another fired a close-range shot that struck him near the ear.
He collapsed instantly. Though he was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, he was declared brain-dead on June 29 and died the following day while on life support.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, security governance expert Isaac Mwakio said that the extension of detention for the two officers was both legally necessary and symbolically important in restoring public trust in policing institutions.
Mwakio noted that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must be given full room to pursue justice without interference.
"This incident, captured on video and witnessed by many, has already traumatised a nation. The least the state can do is ensure full transparency in the investigation. IPOA’s request for more time is not just procedural, it’s essential to get it right. The judiciary’s willingness to grant that time shows a commendable step towards accountability," he told TUKO.co.ke.
Who are the suspects in Boniface Kariuki's killing?
Police officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station were arrested in connection with the shooting.
On July 3, during a court mention at the Milimani Law Courts, the prosecution told Senior Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi that the initial fifteen-day detention period for the officers was coming to an end.
IPOA requested more time to finalise forensic work, including ballistic tests, CCTV analysis, and witness interviews.
Although prosecutors initially sought a twenty-one-day extension, the court settled on a seven-day period by mutual agreement.
The suspects will remain in custody at the Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10, when the matter will be mentioned again in court.
How has government reacted to Kariuki's death?
The killing sparked widespread public outrage and calls for accountability. President William Ruto sent his condolences and donated KSh 1 million to assist the family with funeral arrangements.
A delegation of MPs — Peter Irungu Kihungi (Kangema), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), and Woman Representative Betty Maina — visited the family in Nairobi to deliver the president’s support and promises of justice.
During the visit, the family, led by Boniface’s father, Jonah Kariuki, revealed challenges in formally recording a statement with police. A representative from the Interior Ministry pledged to expedite the process.
Maina mourned Boniface as a diligent and honest youth whose death was entirely preventable.
She urged security forces to uphold human dignity, especially when dealing with civilians.
MP Kihungi echoed this, saying, “The family is in pain. They want justice, and we will not rest until that is achieved.”
Source: Twitter
What did rights groups say about Boniface Kariuki's killing?
The Law Society of Kenya, IPOA, and several human rights organisations have since condemned the incident, calling it an abuse of police authority.
LSK promised to keep a close watch on the case to ensure the legal process remains transparent and just.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja publicly disassociated the service from the incident, assuring the public that rogue officers would not be protected.
In a poignant moment during the court session, Magistrate Ekhubi expressed condolences to the victim’s family on behalf of the Judiciary. He reiterated the court’s role in delivering justice.
When will Boniface Kariuki be buried?
Kariuki will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11, at their rural home in Kangema, Murang'a county.
The family has appealed for help to settle the medical bill and cater for the funeral expenses.
Family spokesperson Emily Wanjira said, despite the government regretting the incident, it had done little to help them offset the bills and accord their kin a decent send-off.
On Wednesday, July 2, Murang'a woman rep Betty Maina announced that President William Ruto had donated KSh 1 million, but the family has not confirmed it yet.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on Boniface Kariuki's burial date.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
