A Nairobi court has allowed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to detain two police officers for an additional seven days as investigations into the fatal shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki continue.

Appearing before Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi on Thursday, the prosecution said the initial 21-day holding period for officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono was set to expire, yet key areas of the investigation remained incomplete.

"Your honour, we have not finalised investigations and require more time to complete the probe. There is a need for further forensic analysis, ballistic examinations, and the recording of additional witness statements. We pray for a seven-day extension," the court was told.

Magistrate Ekhubi granted the request, saying IPOA had provided sufficient grounds for continued detention of the two officers.

"The Judiciary stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased and is committed to ensuring that justice is served. I also extend my condolences to the family on behalf of the judiciary and legal fraternity," he said.

The officers, Barasa and Kiprono, are being held in connection with the shooting of Kariuki also known as Eli Joshua, during a police operation to disperse a crowd along Moi Avenue.

He sustained severe head injuries and died at Kenyatta National Hospital after days in intensive care.

Following the ruling, the officers will remain in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10.

Representatives from IPOA, the Law Society of Kenya, and Kariuki’s family were present in court for the proceedings.

Kariuki, a vendor who sold face masks in Nairobi’s city centre, became the focus of public outrage after a viral video captured the moment he was allegedly shot by a police officer at close range during a protest dispersal. His death has since sparked calls for police accountability and drawn nationwide attention.