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Constables Barasa and Kiprono Detained Pending Investigations
The High Court has ordered the detention of two police officers Masinde Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono for a period of 15 days in connection with the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker in Nairobi’s CBD.
The ruling was issued on Thursday, June 19, after the officers were arraigned at the Milimani High Court. They will remain in custody at the Capitol Hill Police Station while investigations continue. The case is scheduled for mention on July 3.
Officer Believed to Have Fired the Shot
According to preliminary reports, Constable Barasa is suspected to be the officer who fired the fatal shot, while Kiprono was present at the scene during the confrontation with Kariuki. The victim, who sells face masks, remains in the ICU at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Police Interdiction and Public Outcry
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, Kenyans online, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Following the shooting, the officers were interdicted and handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“The two officers have now been interdicted and are currently being processed by the Homicide Team, DCI Headquarters, pending further action,” the National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.
NPS further stated, “We deeply regret this unjustified act and commiserate with the victim and his family, while reaffirming our commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
Next Steps in Investigation
The prosecution had sought additional time to compile evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain ballistic reports related to the shooting. The court agreed that more time was warranted given the serious nature of the case and public interest.
The case will resume on July 3 when the court will be updated on the progress of the investigations and the possible direction the prosecution intends to take.
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