A lawyer representing two Nairobi police officers accused of assault and attempted shooting has withdrawn from the case, citing threats from online activists. Felix Keaton, who was defending officers Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, officially stepped down on Wednesday, raising alarm over personal safety concerns allegedly linked to the youth-led online movement known as “Gen Z.”
The case stems from a viral video showing Barasa and Kiprono allegedly assaulting Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor in Nairobi. The disturbing footage, which has sparked national outrage, shows one of the officers appearing to aim a firearm at the unarmed vendor. The incident has become a flashpoint in the growing public demand for police accountability and reform.
Keaton stated he had received over 1,000 threatening messages and phone calls since taking on the case. “In the interest of my personal safety and that of my family, I have taken the painful but necessary decision to cease all legal representation in this matter,” he said in a press statement. He added that the threats had also targeted his family members, escalating his fears.
The two officers are expected to appear in court later today, with their legal representation now uncertain. Their case has become symbolic of the wider conflict between law enforcement and a rising wave of youth activism driven largely through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
The Gen Z movement, known for its digital savvy and direct calls for justice, has played a major role in amplifying cases of police misconduct across Kenya. While many have praised the movement for shedding light on systemic issues, incidents like Keaton’s withdrawal have raised concerns over the safety of legal professionals and the integrity of the judicial process.
Human rights groups have urged for calm and due process, emphasizing that justice must be pursued within the bounds of the law. Meanwhile, the case continues to stoke debate on the balance between activism, public pressure, and fair legal representation in high-profile criminal cases.
