Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde will face murder charges over the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 29-year-old mask vendor, during the anti-government protests on June 17, 2025.
A viral video captured the harrowing moment Barasa shot Kariuki in the head at close range, sparking national outrage. Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he fought for his life for two weeks. He sadly succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 30.
The DPP confirmed in court that the murder case has been formally filed at the Milimani Law Courts. Barasa is expected to be arraigned today, Friday, July 11, before High Court Judge Justice Kimondo.
Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi ordered Barasa to remain in custody pending his arraignment.
“The first respondent will be remanded awaiting his arraignment before the High Court on the murder charges that have been preferred by the DPP,” he ruled.
Barasa’s co-accused, Duncan Kiprono, also filmed at the scene, was released after the DPP dropped charges against him.
“Following information by the DPP, the second respondent herein will be at liberty unless otherwise,” Magistrate Ekhubi added.
With the murder charge now progressing to the High Court, the Magistrates Court has closed the miscellaneous application related to the case.
Meanwhile, a requiem mass was held in Kariuki’s honor at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Wednesday. His family remembered him as a kind, hardworking man who lost his life while earning an honest living.
They also requested continued financial support to take care of funeral costs. Kariuki will be laid to rest next Friday at his family’s home in Kangema, Murang’a County.
