Two police officers linked to the fatal shooting of a hawker during anti-government protests have been ordered to remain in custody for seven more days as investigations continue.
The officers, Constables Klinzy Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, are accused of involvement in the June 17, 2025, shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who later died on June 30 while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
A Nairobi magistrate extended their detention following a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who cited ongoing investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). The court had initially been asked to detain the officers for 14 more days, but after consultations with the defense, both parties agreed to a seven-day extension.
According to the DPP, more time is required to finalize critical aspects of the investigation. These include completion of the postmortem report, ballistic examinations, review of surveillance footage, and conducting interviews with key witnesses. The DPP’s office also confirmed that an earlier request by IPOA to compel the officers to provide DNA samples had been dropped, indicating a shift in the direction of the forensic analysis.
In delivering the ruling, the magistrate directed that the officers continue to be held at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10, 2025, to give IPOA sufficient time to complete its investigations.
IPOA has taken over the probe from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) due to the sensitive nature of the case, which involves allegations of excessive force by law enforcement. In a sworn affidavit, the Assistant Director of Investigations at IPOA highlighted several pending tasks, including visiting the crime scene, submitting firearms and other exhibits for ballistic testing, retrieving medical records, and verifying video footage through the Communications Authority.
The oversight body expressed concern that releasing the officers at this stage could compromise the integrity of the investigation, given their active-duty status and potential access to witnesses and evidence.
The court proceedings were attended by members of the late Kariuki’s family, who have been seeking justice for their kin. A visibly moved magistrate addressed them directly, offering words of comfort and acknowledging their loss.
He extended condolences on behalf of the Judiciary, expressing sympathy and praying for peace for the bereaved family. The case continues to draw public attention as part of broader scrutiny over police conduct during recent demonstrations, with calls for transparency and accountability intensifying.
