Officers Identified and Suspended After Shooting Unarmed Hawker in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has suspended two officers captured on video shooting an unarmed street hawker identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki during Justice for Ojwang protests in Nairobi. The move comes after a national uproar over the June 17 incident, which was widely circulated online and condemned across the country.
Police confirmed Wednesday that Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (Service No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (Service No. 117193) have been interdicted. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the case, with its Homicide Unit currently handling the investigation.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated, “The two officers have now been interdicted and are currently being processed by the Homicide Team, DCI Headquarters, pending further action.”
The victim, 22-year-old Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was shot in the head while selling face masks on Moi Avenue. He was not armed and showed no resistance. The incident took place during the #JusticeForOjwang protests in the Nairobi Central Business District.
Mwangi underwent emergency surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Doctors successfully removed a bullet lodged in his head. He remains in stable condition.
Police Regret, Public Skepticism
The NPS released a statement expressing “deep regret” over the shooting. It acknowledged the act as unjustified and said it sympathized with the victim and his family.
However, legal and civil society leaders criticized the initial police response, accusing the NPS of issuing a vague statement without clear accountability.
Before the names of the officers were made public, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo challenged the police to show genuine commitment to justice.
“There was no evidence in the initial statement that the officer had been indicted,” said Odhiambo. “The lack of identification and service details amounted to shielding the officer. He must be treated as the face of impunity and criminality within the police service.”
Mounting Demands for Reform
The shooting has reignited calls for comprehensive police reforms. Human rights organizations, legal advocates, and elected leaders are demanding structural changes to prevent further abuses and restore faith in law enforcement.
According to eyewitness reports and footage shared online, the officers approached Mwangi without provocation. After a verbal confrontation, one officer shot him at close range. Bystanders screamed for help as the officers walked away.
Public protests have intensified since the shooting, with many Kenyans accusing the government of failing to stop recurring police violence. Civil society groups are urging independent investigations into broader patterns of misconduct and excessive force.
The shooting occurred during a day of national demonstrations, where citizens marched to demand justice for police brutality victims. Protesters have linked Mwangi’s shooting to a culture of impunity within the police service.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is now responsible for handling the case. The two officers remain suspended pending legal proceedings.
NPS has not confirmed whether charges will be filed. Investigators are reviewing video footage, eyewitness accounts, and officer conduct leading up to the shooting.
Public pressure remains high, with Kenyans demanding that the state follow through on its commitment to accountability. Leaders from both political and civil society spaces say transparency and justice are essential to restoring trust between the public and the police.
