Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa, attached to the Kayole Police Station, will continue to remain in remand until November 4, 2025, following charges of murdering mask hawker Boniface Mwangi Kariuki. The alleged crime took place on June 17, 2025, outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), during protests. Barasa has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are in violation of Section 203, read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The court was scheduled to make a ruling on Barasa’s bail application in October 2025, but the probation report was not ready, causing a delay in setting the date for the bail hearing. The application for bail is being contested by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which opposes Barasa’s release. According to IPOA, there are concerns regarding the accused’s release pending trial. However, Barasa’s defense lawyer, Vincent Yegon, argues that the IPOA’s affidavit has failed to present compelling reasons to deny his client bail. The lawyer further emphasized that Barasa is not a flight risk, as he has fixed residences in both Kayole and Bungoma.
Barasa has made it clear in his sworn affidavit that his family is facing severe financial strain due to his detention. His wife, who is not employed, is struggling to provide for their two school-going children, and their living conditions have deteriorated. He states that the lack of financial resources has forced the children to miss school, further stressing the family’s fragile situation. Moreover, Barasa’s wife has reportedly threatened to leave him, a situation that could destabilize the family and potentially harm their children’s well-being.
Barasa, in his bail application, asserts that he is the sole breadwinner of his family, which consists of his wife, two children, and a sickly elderly mother. He argues that the financial hardship caused by his imprisonment could have long-term negative effects on his family’s stability.
The case will be revisited on November 4, 2025, when the court will determine if the probation report is ready, allowing for a decision to be made regarding Barasa’s bail application.
