The chilling video of an unarmed mask vendor being shot at close range by a police officer during Tuesday's public demonstrations in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, sent shockwaves across the nation, fueling the already boiling public outrage over escalating police brutality in Kenya. In a swift, albeit pressured, response to the widespread uproar, two police officers linked to the heinous act have been arrested and interdicted, now awaiting further legal action.
The victim, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a young mask vendor, is currently fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital, undergoing critical surgeries. This incident, captured vividly on camera, has intensified calls for justice and accountability from the National Police Service (NPS).
The Incident: A Vendor's Ordeal Amidst Chaos
Tuesday's protests, which primarily called for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat following the contentious death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang in police custody, descended into chaos. Disturbingly, reports indicate that goons infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations, escalating tensions.
It was amidst this volatile environment that the horrifying incident unfolded on Moi Avenue. Viral video footage shows two anti-riot officers cornering Boniface Mwangi Kariuki. Despite being unarmed and seemingly posing no threat, the officers brutally beat him before one of them fired a shotgun at close range, leaving him for dead. The image of the mask vendor collapsing, holding his wares, became a powerful symbol of the perceived impunity of law enforcement.
Swift Action, Public Pressure: The Arrest and Interdiction
The public outcry was immediate and immense, particularly on social media, where the graphic video circulated widely. In response to the growing pressure, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered an immediate investigation and arrest.
Initially, the National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed an arrest but withheld the officer's name and photo, a deviation from standard procedure that drew further criticism. The NPS statement also condemned the "group of goons armed with crude weapons," vowing that such individuals would "face the full arm of the law."
However, the pressure for transparency continued to mount. In a subsequent statement, the NPS identified the two officers involved as Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono. Both officers have since been interdicted and are being processed by the Homicide Team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters.
The NPS expressed deep regret, stating, "The National Police Service (NPS) deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
Boniface Mwangi Kariuki: A Life in the Balance
The immediate concern remains for Boniface Mwangi Kariuki. After the brutal shooting, he was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital by bystanders, where he underwent emergency surgery. The latest reports indicate that he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition, having undergone a second delicate surgery to remove bullet fragments from his head. His family, while relieved he is alive, is appealing for justice and continuous prayers for his recovery.
The Road to Justice: IPOA Takes Charge
The pursuit of justice for Boniface Mwangi Kariuki has now officially moved to the courts. On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Police Constables Klinzy Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts. They appeared before Magistrate BenMark Ekhubi under a miscellaneous application filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
IPOA, the independent watchdog mandated to investigate police misconduct, sought to detain the officers for 21 days to allow for comprehensive forensic investigations. The court ultimately granted IPOA 15 days to detain the officers, emphasizing the gravity and public interest surrounding the case.
IPOA outlined the extensive scope of its investigation, which includes:
- Ballistic testing on firearms recovered from the suspects.
- Analysis of forensic samples from the scene of the shooting.
- Review of all available CCTV footage.
- Interviews with key witnesses, including Boniface Mwangi Kariuki himself, once his medical condition stabilizes.
- Awaiting a full medical report on Kariuki's injuries.
IPOA argued strongly against their release, citing concerns over potential witness interference and evidence tampering, and reiterating, "This matter has attracted intense public interest. It is in the interest of justice that the suspects remain in custody until investigations are concluded."
A Nation Demands Accountability
The shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is not an isolated incident. It adds to a growing list of concerns about police brutality in Kenya, particularly highlighted by recent events such as the tragic death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody. From Ojwang's suspicious death to the close-range shooting of an unarmed vendor, the public has been vocal in demanding that all those culpable, regardless of their rank, be brought to book.
The arrests of Masinde and Kiprono, while a significant step, are just the beginning. The eyes of the nation, and indeed the international community, will remain firmly fixed on the unfolding legal process, demanding full transparency and an unwavering commitment to justice for victims of police misconduct. The outcome of this case will be a true test of Kenya's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its citizens.
