- Police officer Klinzy Barasa, accused of shooting a Nairobi veteran during a protest, arrived in court and denied the charges
- ODPP listed a number of reasons why his bond was rejected, including concerns of threatening witnesses and his own safety
- His lawyer initially withdrew from the case after he was overwhelmed by Kenyans
Nairobi: The procession The normal June 17 turned into death, and now a police officer is facing a murder case.
Source: UGC
Police Constable Klinzy Barasa, an officer trapped in a video shooting a vendor during the protest, was brought to the Mountains Court to answer the murder charges.
When he was brought to court, Barasa was officially charged with the murder of the vendor who was later identified as Boniface Kariuki.
He denied the charges as his team of lawyers asked the court to give him bail or bond, saying he had no risk of running and would obey the court orders.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the request, citing the seriousness of the offense and the need to ensure justice was done without interruption.
They said that the release of Barasa could undermine public confidence in the justice system, especially in a case that has already created national attention.
How was Boniface Kariuki shot?
The incident was reported following protests to protest the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died of torture at the Central Nairobi police station.
The protests had attracted a crowd of angry citizens claiming justice for Ojwang.
However, a controversial video clip that later spread provided a more different image. In the photo, Barasa is seen along with fellow officer Duncan Kiprono as they approach the seemingly non -violent vendor who was selling Barakua.
The man, who was later identified as Kariuki, was excluded from a crowd of protesters and appeared unarmed or horrible.
Shortly thereafter, the video shows Barasa pulling his gun and shooting Kariuki closely.
The bullet hit him in the head, and he fell into a pool of blood while the people there were screaming in fear.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital where he later died while receiving treatment, which led to a murder investigation by the Independent Police Managing Authority (IPOA).
Source: Original
Why did lawyer Felix Keaton withdraw from the Barasa case?
In a statement relating to it, TUKO.co.ke It was initially reported that Advocate Felix Keaton officially withdrew to represent two police officers allegedly shooting Kariuki.
Keaton’s decision came after fierce public opposition, Nasusan from Gen Z activists, who used numerous messages and phoned him to condemn his role in the case.
He explained that he withdrew himself to protect his personal and family safety, following the great crisis.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
