Two police officers, Klinzy Baraza Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, have been ordered detained for 15 days as investigations continue into the June 17 shooting of street vendor Boniface Mwangi Kariuki during anti-government protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The officers appeared before Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi at the Milimani Law Courts under a miscellaneous application filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). While IPOA initially sought a 21-day detention to complete forensic inquiries, the court granted 15 days, during which time it will finalize ballistic tests, forensic analyses, and witness interviews.
Masinde and Kiprono, both interdicted pending the outcome of the probe, are accused of opening fire on Kariuki along Mondlane Street amid Gen Z-led demonstrations that have drawn widespread national and international attention. According to IPOA, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested the duo at Nairobi Area Police Headquarters following public outcry and demands for accountability.
Court filings reveal that Kariuki was rushed by bystanders to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. IPOA informed the court that it is also awaiting a full medical report before interviewing the victim.
In outlining its case, IPOA indicated that its investigation will include:
- Ballistic testing on firearms recovered from the suspects
- Forensic examination of samples collected at the scene
- Review of CCTV footage from surrounding businesses and street cameras
- Interviews with key witnesses, including the victim once medically stable
IPOA counsel warned that releasing the officers prematurely could jeopardise evidence integrity and lead to witness interference. “This matter has attracted intense public interest,” the authority told the court. “It is in the interest of justice that the suspects remain in custody until investigations are concluded.”
The case will return to Milimani Law Courts once the 15-day detention period expires, by which time IPOA expects to have compiled a full docket of evidence for potential prosecution.
Written By Rodney Mbua
