Two police officers accused of shooting a mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, during the anti-government protest in Nairobi have been arraigned at the Milimani law courts.
The accused officers, Klinzy Baraza Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, were presented before Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi on Thursday under a miscellaneous application filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Both dressed in black trousers, heavy coats, and face masks, walked side by side as they were escorted into the cell, having alighted from a Toyota Premio.
The two will now be detained for 15 days at the Capitol Hill Police Station to allow the prosecution to complete its investigations later be taken to Kileleshwa Police Station.
This follows an agreement between the prosecution and the defence counsel, presented before the Milimani Law Courts.
Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arrested for shooting Boniface Kariuki on June 17 along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District amid demonstrations that raised national and international uproar.
The victim, Boniface Kariuki, was selling surgical face masks when he was approached by police officers dispersing crowds during protests.
Witnesses said Boniface was not participating in the demonstrations.
He was doing his regular work when officers stopped him and accused him of blocking the walkway.
A Video footage circulating online shows one of the officers pushing Boniface while another fired a shot at close range as he attempted to walk away.
The bullet struck Boniface near his ear, causing severe head injuries, which made him collapse on the pavement, bleeding heavily, protesters screamed and rushed to assist him.
He was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit after emergency surgery. His condition is critical but stable.
Boniface’s father, Jonah Kariuki, confirmed that his son was still alive and urged the government to bring those responsible to justice.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has indicated that possible charges against the officers include attempted murder and unlawful use of a firearm.
Barasa and Kiprono will be formally charged once investigations are complete.
