Klinzy Barasa in court on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Mulembe Times | July 28, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya — In a high-profile case that has reignited public anger over police brutality in Kenya, Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, a 29-year-old street vendor who was fatally shot during the anti-government protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025.
Kariuki, popularly known as “Boni the Mask Man”, was selling face masks and patriotic flags in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) when he was shot in broad daylight. His death was captured in viral videos showing a plainclothes officer allegedly firing live bullets into a fleeing crowd. The footage sparked national outrage, with many demanding justice and transparency in law enforcement.
From Protest to Prosecution
What began as a peaceful demonstration under the “Tumechoka” movement quickly turned into chaos when police dispersed the crowd with excessive force. Witnesses allege that Barasa, attached to the Anti-Mugging Unit, opened fire without provocation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) swiftly launched an investigation and, after weeks of public pressure, arrested Barasa. On July 21, he underwent a mandatory psychiatric evaluation and was declared mentally fit to stand trial.
Barasa was formally charged with murder on July 28 before Justice Abida Ali Aroni. He appeared in court masked and heavily guarded, prompting furious reactions from the victim’s family and human rights activists.
“Why Is He Hiding His Face?” – Family Demands Transparency
The courtroom was tense as Boniface Kariuki’s mother and siblings openly wept and called on Barasa to unmask, saying that justice must not be “carried out in the shadows.”
“Why is he hiding his face? If he truly believes he is innocent, let him look at us and the court without fear,” said his sister, Ruth Kariuki.
The family also criticized the government’s slow response and alleged attempts to protect rogue officers.
Legal Battle and Bail Opposition
Barasa’s legal team has filed a formal application for bail, arguing that the accused is entitled to bond under Kenyan law. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), supported by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the victim’s family, is strongly opposing his release.
Lead prosecutor Evelyne Onunga argued that Barasa is a flight risk and might intimidate witnesses if released on bail. IPOA has requested witness protection for at least two individuals who allegedly saw Barasa fire the fatal shot.
Justice Aroni ordered both parties to submit their arguments within seven days and scheduled the bail hearing for August 19, 2025.
Public Fury and Demands for Accountability
Barasa’s plea of not guilty has sparked fresh protests across the country, particularly in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru, with demonstrators demanding an end to police impunity. Hashtags such as #JusticeForBoniface, #UnmaskBarasa, and #StopPoliceBrutality have trended on X (Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok.
Human rights groups including Amnesty Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and social activists like Boniface Mwangi have issued joint statements urging the judiciary to set a strong precedent against extrajudicial killings.
The court’s ruling on the bail application is expected to be a litmus test on how Kenya’s judicial system handles cases of police accountability, especially in the context of the ongoing national debate over security reforms.
Boniface Kariuki’s family continues to call for public support and transparency, urging Kenyans to stay vigilant and to attend court proceedings if possible.
“We don’t want another name added to the list of forgotten victims. We want justice — not just for Boniface, but for every innocent life lost at the hands of the very people meant to protect us,” Ruth added.
