Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has denied murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, during his arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, July 28, 2025.

Barasa is accused of killing Kariuki on June 17, 2025, in broad daylight outside Imenti House along Moi Avenue in Nairobi. The incident sparked public outrage, with eyewitnesses claiming the unarmed vendor was shot at close range during a confrontation with police officers enforcing hawking regulations in the city center.

Barasa pleaded not guilty before High Court Judge Lilian Mutende. According to a psychiatric evaluation conducted by government psychiatrist Dr. Priscila Makau on July 21, the accused officer was found mentally fit to stand trial.

Tensions ran high at the courthouse as Kariuki’s family and supporters voiced their anger and frustration, especially after Barasa’s legal team filed an application seeking his release on bail. Emotions boiled over in the corridors outside the courtroom, with relatives of the deceased shouting that Barasa should not be granted bond.

“We want justice! He should not be walking free while our son is lying in the grave,” one family member shouted, as security officers struggled to restore calm.

The prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the offence and possible interference with witnesses. Prosecutors also noted concerns raised by the victim’s family regarding the accused officer’s identification, arguing that the use of masks by police during the incident has made it difficult for witnesses to confirm his identity with certainty.

“The family has raised legitimate fears about the integrity of the process and the possibility of an unfair trial, particularly due to difficulties in positively identifying the shooter,” the prosecution noted.

The court scheduled the hearing of the bond application for August 19, 2025, giving both sides time to submit necessary affidavits and supporting documentation.

Barasa remains in custody at the Industrial Area Remand Prison pending the outcome of the bond hearing.

Kariuki’s death is among a growing list of controversial police shootings involving street vendors and informal workers in Nairobi’s central business district. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for greater accountability and transparency in police operations, especially in the handling of informal traders.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a parallel inquiry into the incident, with investigators said to be reviewing CCTV footage, witness accounts, and ballistics evidence to ascertain the circumstances of the shooting.

The case will be mentioned again on August 19 for a ruling on the bond application.