Two police officers who were caught on video shooting a face mask vendor to remain in police custody for 15 days pending further investigations after a court ruling.
The two Police Constables, Klinzy Barasa Masinde (No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (No. 117193), were arraigned on Thursday, June 19, at the Milimani Law Courts to answer to charges relating to the shooting, which left a hawker fighting for his life.
Additionally, the two police officers were suspended from official duty for further investigations until the conclusion of their case.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, in his ruling, ordered that the two should be held at the Capitol Hill Police station pending investigations.
Summoned police officers
The police constables were caught on live camera shooting the unarmed civilian, who was later identified as Boniface Kariuki.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has accused police officers of disobeying a 2024 High Court directive that requires officers deployed to protests to be uniformed, identifiable, and unmasked.
“The Law Society got orders from the court last year,” said LSK Vice President Caroline Kimani.
“When police officers are coming to the streets, especially in protecting the demonstrators, they have to be uniformed. They cannot be masked. That was the directive of the court, but right now we are seeing a different thing, and it’s not being followed,” he narrated.
She confirmed that LSK will move to court to file contempt proceedings against the Inspector General of Police.
“The Law Society will be moving the court for contempt of court, and they will be putting the IG on the spot,” she said.
“This was the directive of the court, but it is being blatantly ignored.”
LSK court presentation
The legal action comes a day after LSK stated that it had collected enough evidence to prosecute senior government officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over police brutality and enforced disappearances during protests.
“I promise to lead to the International Criminal Court,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
“We have collected enough evidence to show that the police are working in cahoots with criminal elements. This is not isolated. It’s a systemic failure and the rot is now visible,” she said.
Also Read: KNH CEO Reveals Boniface Kariuki Was Shot with Rubber Bullet
Kimani acknowledged that while some officers are committed to duty, the police institution is underperforming.
“I do appreciate the sentiments that police do a lot in safeguarding us,” she said.
“But the overall performance of the police is not to be desired. As a country, we feel that they are below average. What is happening now is a reflection of long-standing rot in the system.”
Other people died in police custody
She revealed that at least 20 people died in police custody between January and June 2025 without disciplinary action.
“We haven’t heard of a single OCS being interdicted. These deaths go unanswered, and the silence is deafening,” she stated.
Also Read: Police Who Shot Hawker Boniface Kariuki During Protests Arrested
She raised concerns over protest organisers receiving threats and disappearing.
“The public is watching and thinking if I speak out, I might be next,” she said.
Kimani said under Kenyan law, protest organisers are only required to notify police, not seek permission.
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