Two police officers suspected of having shot and critically injured Boniface Mwangi Karuiki will remain behind bars for 15 days as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) probes the incident.
Milimani magistrate Benmark Ekhubi allowed the application by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to hold Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono for 15 days at the Capitol Hill police station.
Mr Nahshon Zoka, one of the arresting officers, had asked for 21 days to complete the investigations but the prosecution and the defence team reached a compromise and agreed on 15 days.
Mr Zoka said the two police officers were deployed as part of the contingent to manage demonstrations along Mondlane Street in Nairobi’s central business district.
The protests were sparked by the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody and have led to calls for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who is now under investigation.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja addresses journalists on June 9, 2025 at Central Police Station over the death of Albert Ojwang (inset) in police custody.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
He said the two were captured on camera shooting the hawker and are therefore subject to investigations by IPOA for offences including grievous harm contrary to section 234 of the penal code.
The footage shows the officers assaulting Mwangi, who was selling masks to members of the public during Tuesday’s demonstrations.
He told the court that the victim was admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in critical condition.
Mr Zoka added that the two police constables were arrested on June 18 due to public outcry and investigations started in earnest.
He stated in an affidavit that their firearms were confiscated and may be subjected to ballistic examination.
Police officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono arraigned in Milimani, two days after the gun attack in Nairobi CBD.
Photo credit: Micah Nyandoro | Nation
According to Zoka, the investigators were yet to retrieve CCTV footage for analysis, interview and record statements from witnesses, including the victim Mr Mwangi.
“There is also a need to record statements of the Respondents (Barasa and Kiprono) as to their involvement or otherwise in the incident,” Mr Zoka said.
