Nairobi – A Nairobi court on Thursday granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 15 days to hold two police officers linked to the shooting of a young hawker during recent protests in the city center.
Constables Masinde Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts following a viral video that showed Barasa firing at close range during a demonstration near Tom Mboya Street on Tuesday. Kiprono was seen standing nearby during the incident.
The court scheduled the case for mention on July 3 to review the investigation’s progress.
The shooting occurred during demonstrations against police brutality and the custodial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. Protesters had gathered in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where the victim, 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot.
Kariuki, who was selling masks during the protest, was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.
Footage of the shooting spread quickly online, triggering national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
The National Police Service (NPS) has since interdicted both officers and handed the case to the DCI homicide unit. Officials confirmed that the two will remain in custody during the ongoing investigation.
“This matter is serious and requires full inquiry. We are closely monitoring every step,” said a source familiar with the case.
Human rights activists and legal observers have called for swift prosecution. Pressure has mounted on authorities to ensure transparency and justice in the case.
The court’s decision signals an early step in what could become a landmark case on the use of force by law enforcement during public protests.