Charles Owino Claims Mask Vendor Shot at Point-Blank Range Abused Police: "Listen Closely"
- Former police spokesperson Charles Owino sparked a debate with new claims surrounding the shooting of Boniface Kariuki
- Owino defended the police service and warned against portraying officers as powerless even in high-risk situations
- His reaction came after the family of the victim delivered a heartbreaking medical update as public pressure mounts
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: Former National Police Service spokesperson Charles Owino has claimed that Boniface Kariuki, the young man who was shot during anti-police brutality protests, insulted the officer moments before the incident.
Source: Facebook
Kariuki was shot at close range by police officer Klinzy Barasa while selling face masks during protests triggered by the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang at the Central Police Station.
The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, fueling widespread condemnation.
Why did police shoot Boniface Kariuki?
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, June 30, Owino said:
“If you listen closely to the clip, you’ll hear him abusing the officer. It was a very simple exchange, but that should never justify a shooting. Officers must exercise restraint.”
Owino defended the officer, noting he is just 24 years old with under two years of service.
He claimed Barasa had been issued rubber bullets—not live rounds—but misused them in the heat of the moment.
Despite the defence, Owino acknowledged that such actions damage the image of the police and emphasised the importance of accountability.
However, he went ahead to support the right of police officers to use firearms in clearly defined circumstances.
“We only have one police service, and we cannot afford to demonise it. If a police officer commits mistakes, let us see a situation where actions are taken against them. But equally, let us not lie to the police that policemen cannot use firearms," he said, referencing the risks officers face when confronted by crowds.
"If we do not create fear, for instance, where 100 people invade a police station, and they are aware there is nothing the police will do, then what are we doing here? You will be overrun.”
His remarks have sparked further debate amid growing public anger over the use of force by police during recent demonstrations.
What is the condition of Boniface Kariuki?
Meanwhile, Kariuki remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
According to family spokesperson Emily Wanjira, doctors have declared him brain dead, although his vital organs are still functioning.
She also revealed that the hospital bill has surged past KSh 3 million and appealed to well-wishers to help the family settle the costs as they await final updates from doctors.
The incident continues to stir national conversation around police accountability and protester safety.
Police who shot Boniface Kariuki interdicted
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Meanwhile, following the incident, NPS confirmed that the implicated officers, Constables Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, were interdicted and are currently in custody due to their unjustifiable behaviour.
Source: Instagram
The case had drawn significant public attention, particularly from the Gen Z community.
Lawyer withdraws after harsh criticism
A prominent lawyer linked to the investigation revealed that he received over 1,000 messages and calls from young Kenyans, many of whom expressed outrage over his decision to defend the officers involved.
Felix Keaton appeared for the two accused officers on the day they were arraigned at Milimani Law Courts.
The youthful advocate sensationally claimed that his clients, particularly the one accused of pulling the trigger, had been mistaken.
He told journalists that it was not clear who shot the victim, dismissing a video that captured the exact moment the officer fired the rubber bullet at the mask vendor, piercing through his head.
He faced massive criticism online, with the majority of Kenyans accusing him of lacking empathy and being utterly insensitive.
Apart from being trolled online, the budding city lawyer disclosed that he recieved over 1000 texts castigating him for the utterances he made.
As a result, he withdrew from the case and apologised to Kenyans.
The police officers will now have to find another legal representative before the matter proceeds. Should they fail to meet the costs of hiring a lawyer, the government shall provide one for them.
The two will face murder charges following the death of Kariuki at Kenyatta National Hospital on Monday, June 30.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
