Police Officer Faces Murder Charges in Hawker’s Death as Co-Defendants Walk Free
Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa will face murder charges for killing hawker Boniface Kariuki, while his colleagues have been released from the case. The High Court in Nairobi deferred Barasa’s plea hearing Thursday pending a mandatory mental health evaluation.
Barasa must undergo a 14-day psychiatric assessment before entering his plea on July 28. Prosecution counsel requested the mental evaluation during Thursday’s court session, citing standard procedure for murder cases involving law enforcement officers.
The case centers on the fatal shooting of Kariuki, a street vendor whose death sparked public outrage over police brutality. Barasa allegedly shot Kariuki during what authorities describe as a confrontation with hawkers in Nairobi.
Other police officers initially implicated in the incident have been cleared of charges. The court granted them freedom after prosecutors determined insufficient evidence linked them to Kariuki’s death.
Kariuki’s killing represents another flashpoint in Kenya’s ongoing struggle with police accountability. Human rights groups have documented numerous cases of excessive force by law enforcement officers against civilians, particularly street vendors and informal traders.
The mental assessment requirement reflects legal protocols designed to ensure defendants can stand trial competently. If deemed mentally fit, Barasa will return to court to formally enter his plea to murder charges.
The case continues amid growing calls for police reform and justice for victims of alleged police brutality across Kenya.
