- Former National Police Service spokesman Charles Owino has sparked debate after claiming that Boniface Kariuki, a teenager who was shot during a protest against police, insulted the officer shortly before the incident
- Owino defended the police service and warned against showing officers as empowered even in dangerous situations
- His statement came after the victim’s family issued a sad medical statement as public pressure on the police increased
NAIROBI: A former spokesman for the National Police Service, Charles Owino, has claimed that Boniface Kariuki, a young man shot during the The procession To oppose police brutality, he insulted the officer shortly before the incident.
Source: Facebook
Kariuki was shot closely by police officer Klinzy Barasa while selling Barakua during protests caused by the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang in Central police.
The incident was captured on video and spread rapidly online, thus stirring up anger and great condemnation.
Why did the police shoot Boniface Kariuki?
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, June 30, Owino said:
“If you listen carefully to the video, you will hear him insult the officer. It was only a small dispute, but that would not be the cause of the shooting.
Owino defended the officer, explaining that he was only 24 years old and had served the police department for less than two years.
He claimed that Barasa had been given football bullets – not a real bullet – but he misused them for the anger of the time.
Despite the defense, Owino acknowledged that such incidents were destroying the police image and emphasized the importance of responsibility.
However, he continued to support the police’s right to use weapons in a clearly defined environment.
“We have only one police service, and we cannot make it look like an enemy. If the police are wrong, then we make sure the action is taken against him. He said, referring to the dangers they face when faced with the crowd.
“If we do not raise a state of fear, for example, where 100 people invade the police station and know there is no action the police will take, then what do we do here? You will be attacked.”
His statements have sparked further debate as public anger continues to increase over the use of force and police during a recent protest.
What is the current Boniface Kariuki status?
At the same time, Kariuki is still in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
According to a family spokesman, Emily Wanjira, doctors have announced her brain, although her vital organs are still working.
He added that the hospital’s bills have gone up and crossed KSh 3 million and asked for help from donors to help families pay for the costs while awaiting a final report from doctors.
The incident continues to stimulate the national debate on police responsibility and the security of the protesters.
Source: Instagram
Police who shot Boniface Kariuki have temporarily removed
At the same time, following the incident, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the officers mentioned – Konstebo Barasa and Duncan Kiprono – were temporarily dismissed and are currently being detained because of their baseless behavior.
The case has attracted the public significantly, especially from the generation of Gen Z.
One key person in the investigation revealed that he received more than 1,000 calls from young Kenyans who were angry about his decision to defend the officers involved.
Due to the pressure, he withdrew from the case.
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