Police officer caught on video fatally shooting vendor Boniface Kariuki to be charged with murder
A Nairobi High Court has ruled that Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa will face murder charges after he was filmed shooting 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki during a protest in the CBD.
Justice Kanyi Kimondo directed that the officer undergo a mental health evaluation at Kenyatta National Hospital or Mbagathi Hospital to determine his ability to stand trial.
The killing took place on June 17, 2025, near Imenti House in the heart of Nairobi. Kariuki, who was selling masks to protestors, was unarmed when he was confronted by two officers.
Footage that later went viral showed one officer, Constable Duncan Kiprono, assaulting Kariuki. Moments later, Masinde fired a close-range bullet to the back of Kariuki’s head as he walked away.
The autopsy report confirmed Kariuki died instantly, with four bullet fragments lodged in his brain.
The two officers were initially charged with grievous harm, but growing pressure from the public and activists forced the ODPP to review the case.
The charge was later upgraded to murder, and Masinde is now the sole murder suspect as investigations continue. His colleague Kiprono may still be charged with assault depending on the findings.
The killing sparked national outrage, with protests demanding justice for Kariuki and broader police reforms. His death became a symbol of excessive force used during demonstrations.
Following the video’s circulation, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) began investigations, and Masinde was interdicted from police service.
Masinde is set to return to court after a mental assessment. If found fit to stand trial, he will be required to enter a plea to the murder charge.
Under Kenyan law, a murder conviction could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
