The decision to deny bail to Police Constable Klinzy Baraza Masinde, the officer alleged to have been involved in the cold-blooded shooting of a mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, represents a big victory for civil society, which has been active in the case since the time of the fatal encounter back in June in the CBD in Nairobi.
The judge who ruled against the release of Baraza presented compelling reasons that he used when refusing to release Baraza. The court observed that Baraza had the ability to interfere with witnesses or compromise the investigation because he had the influence and technical knowledge as a law enforcement officer.
Moreover, the one who was prosecuted was concerned with the safety of the family of a victim because it turned out that they had already been harassed by receiving unsolicited calls and messages. The judge concluded that the safety of the family of the victim and maintenance of the order in the society was more than what the officer pleaded about freedom to nurture his young family.
The case can be traced to June 17, 2025, when demonstrations were witnessed along Moi Avenue. Video of a viral event on social media had Baraza and a colleague manhandling the unarmed 32-year-old vendor, Boniface Kariuki, then firing a shot at him at close range. Kariuki, who was merely hawking masks to make a living was hit on the head. He was later declared brain dead and died of his injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital, leaving a family that was grieving and a society that wanted justice.
The verdict is issued when the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) escalates a different case of the killing of Sheril Adhiambo, a young lady who was killed in Huruma under similar contentious conditions. The cases have sparked a fierce national discussion over the issue of the use of lethal force by police.
In the case of the Boniface Kariuki family, the verdict acts as a ray of hope that justice, though long delayed, is finally on its way. Klinzy Baraza is still detained in prison at Nairobi Remand. The court has pledged to have a quick trial, and the next mention will be on February 17, 2026.
