Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has denied charges of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old masks vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi in Nairobi’s Central Business District during June 17, 2025 protests.
Masinde appeared before High Court Judge Kimondo Kanyi on Monday July 28, 2025, where he entered a plea of not guilty.
“Plea of not guilty is accordingly entered,” Justice Kanyi announced after the charge was read aloud in court.
The DPP though State Prosecutor Vincent Monda told the court that the accused is facing one count of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
“The particulars of the charge indicate that on June 17, 2025, outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District, within Nairobi County, you murdered Boniface Kariuki Mwangi,” the charge sheet reads in part.
Masinde pleaded to the charges after the prosecution tendered a mental assessment report in court showing that he was fit to stand trial for murder charges.
” Following court orders the accused had undergone a mental assessment. Here is a medical report filed by government psychiatrist Dr. Priscilla Makau and dated July 21, 202 confirms that Masinde is mentally fit to stand trial. We are ready to take a plea,” Monda told the Judge.
Masinde, who was dressed in a white jumper and a blue face mask, stood silently as he was flanked by prison officers while his lawyer, Abdrazak Mohamed, requested more time to formally prepare a bond application.
“We seek 14 days to put in a formal application for bond,” Mohamed submitted, adding that they intend to pursue his release on bail pending trial.
However, the State prosecutor strongly opposed the bid to have Masinde released on bond.
“The Republic will be opposing the accused person’s release on bond pending trial. We have since filed an affidavit opposing bail, sworn by investigating officer Sarah Mwea,” Monda told the court.
Monda argued that releasing the accused may interfere with key witnesses, some are his colleagues and the officer’s safety.
Justice Kanyi ordered Masinde be remanded at Industrial Area Prison Remand pending the hearing of his bail application on August 19, 2025.
