A Nairobi court has ordered two police officers to remain in custody for 15 days as investigations continue into the shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a face mask hawker injured during anti-government protests in the city center.
Constables Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono are accused of assaulting and shooting Kariuki during the June 17 demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The hawker, who is now fighting for his life in the ICU, was reportedly unarmed and caught up in the chaos.
On Thursday, June 19, Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi directed that the two officers be detained at Capitol Hill Police Station to allow investigators time to gather evidence.
Initially, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had sought a 21-day detention period. However, Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti told the court that the prosecution team had reached a compromise with the defense to settle on 15 days.
“We will adopt the compromise by the applicant’s team (DPP), and the two respondents (Constable Masinde and Kiprono) will be remanded at Capitol Hill,” Magistrate Ekhubi ruled.
According to DCI officer Nahashon Zoka, who is leading the probe, the officers are being investigated for causing grievous harm under Section 234 of the Penal Code. The state believes releasing them before the investigation concludes could compromise witness testimony and critical evidence.
“There is a real likelihood of interference with witnesses and with the impending investigations should the respondents be released before the IPOA initiates investigations and/or before the completion of the investigations on the basis of the incident,” part of the state’s application read .
The DPP also told the court that investigators need time to submit firearms recovered from the officers for ballistic analysis, as the weapons are suspected to have been used in the shooting.
Additionally, samples from the crime scene will be sent to the government chemist for forensic testing, while CCTV footage from the area will be retrieved for examination.
During the detention period, investigators will record statements from key witnesses. However, they noted that Kariuki remains in critical condition and is currently unable to speak. A medical report (P3 form) will also be filled out to document the extent of his injuries.
The case is scheduled for mention on July 3, 2025, for further directions.
