Felix Keaton, the lawyer representing officers Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, who were accused of assaulting and shooting Boniface Kariuki, a Nairobi street vendor, during the Tuesday, June 17, protests, has stepped down from the case.

The city lawyer has cited the growing number of threats allegedly from the online “GEN-Z” youth movement.

Confirming his departure from the high-profile case, Wednesday, Keaton raised serious concerns for his personal and family’s safety. He said he has received over 1000 threatening calls and messages, warning him to abandon the case.

“In the interest of my safety and that of my family, I have taken a painful, but necessary decision to cease all legal representation in this matter,” he stated

He further revealed that the threats have extended beyond himself, with close family also receiving threatening messages.

Barasa and Kiprono were caught on a video that quickly went viral, allegedly assaulting and shooting Kariuki, causing widespread outrage and a demand for justice by netizens around the country. The digitally mobilized youth are relentlessly calling for police accountability and reform in the wake of a rise in cases of police brutality during ongoing demonstrations.

The two officers are scheduled to appear in court later today.