A police officer accused of shooting a protester during recent demonstrations in Nairobi is now facing murder charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended that Klinzy Barasa be charged for the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was hit in the head during protests on June 17, 2025, and later died in hospital on June 30.

Barasa has been placed in custody as he awaits formal arraignment before the High Court.

According to court proceedings, the DPP confirmed that the murder charge has already been filed at the Milimani Law Courts and will be mentioned before the presiding judge for further directions.

“The first respondent will be remanded awaiting his arraignment before the High Court on the murder charges that have been preferred by the DPP,” stated Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi.

Kariuki was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital after the shooting, but he later succumbed to the injuries. The case drew public attention as it unfolded during protests that saw a strong response from law enforcement.

While Barasa remains in custody, the court ordered the release of his co-accused, Duncan Kiprono, citing lack of evidence linking him to the fatal shooting.

“Following information by the DPP, the second respondent herein will be at liberty unless otherwise,” stated Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi in his ruling.

The miscellaneous application that had been filed to allow further investigations has now been closed at the Magistrates Court.

Earlier, on July 3, a Nairobi court had granted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) a seven-day extension to continue detaining both officers as investigations were still ongoing.

IPOA had initially requested 21 days, which were about to lapse, but informed the court that more time was needed to finalise the probe.

Barasa’s arraignment will proceed in the coming days, as the High Court takes over the matter following the DPP’s decision to proceed with murder charges.