Klinzy Barasa: Police Officer Filmed Shooting Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki Pleads Not Guilty
- Police officer Klinzy Barasa, accused of fatally shooting a Nairobi mask vendor during protests, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty
- The ODPP listed several reasons why his bond was denied, including concerns about witness intimidation and his own safety
- His lawyer previously withdrew from the case after facing intense backlash from Kenyans who "greeted" him
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: A routine protest on June 17 turned tragic, and now a police officer finds himself at the centre of a murder case.
Source: Original
Police Constable Klinzy Barasa, the officer who was captured on video shooting a mask vendor during the protests, was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts to answer to murder charges.
During his appearance before Justice Kanyi Kimondo, Barasa was formally charged with the murder of the vendor, later identified as Boniface Kariuki.
He entered a plea of not guilty. His legal team petitioned the court to grant him bail or bond, arguing that he is not a flight risk and would comply with court directives.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the request, citing the gravity of the offence and urging the court to deny the accused bond pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
Why was Klinzy Barasa denied bail?
In a Facebook post, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that Barasa's position as a serving police officer grants him significant authority, access to fireams including fellow officers who witnessed the shooting.
The ODPP also argued that given the accused's technical knowledge, he could easily access sensitive information, including communication data, as tools he could use to intimidate witnesses.
In addition, the prosecution believe Barasa's release could compromise his own safety, and make some Kenyans doubt the justice system.
"The court was told that his release could incite public unrest and endanger his own safety, given the widespread public outrage over the incident.... Releasing him at this stage could undermine public confidence in the justice system, especially amid ongoing concerns about police accountability in the use of force cases," the statement read in part.
How was Boniface Kariuki shot?
The incident unfolded in the wake of protests over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died as a result of torture while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
The protests had drawn crowds of concerned citizens demanding justice for Ojwang. However, a disturbing video clip that later went viral painted an even darker picture.
In the footage, Barasa is seen alongside fellow officer Duncan Kiprono approaching the seemingly non-violent street vendor who had been selling face masks.
The man, later identified as Kariuki, was isolated from the crowd of demonstrators and appeared unarmed and non-threatening.
Moments later, the video shows Barasa drawing his firearm and shooting Kariuki at close range. The bullet struck him in the head, and he collapsed in a pool of blood as bystanders screamed in horror.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, prompting a murder investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Source: Original
Why did lawyer Felix Keaton Withdraw from Barasa's case?
In a related update, TUKO.co.ke previously reported that lawyer Felix Keaton officially stepped down from representing two police officers accused of shooting Kariuki.
Keaton's decision came after intense public backlash, particularly from Gen Z activists, who flooded him with messages and calls condemning his role in the case.
He explained that he withdrew to protect his personal safety and that of his family, following the intense backlash.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
