Unmasked: The bloodthirsty officers behind CBD hawker shooting

 Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono assaulting Boniface Kariuki. [Screen Grab]

Two police officers caught on video assaulting and shooting a street vendor during Tuesday's protests in Nairobi's CBD have been identified. 

The duo, Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, were seen confronting 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, who was hawking face masks, and briefly assaulted him before opening fire and shooting him in the head.

In the now-viral video, Kariuki collapsed instantly, still clutching the bundle of masks he was selling, as the officers walked away, faces concealed beneath helmets.

Hours later, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating that the officer believed to be Masinde had been arrested and would face prosecution.

The officers’ lawyer, Felix Kiprono, said the two are currently being held at the Capital Police Station and are expected to be arraigned today. 

Meanwhile, Kariuki remains hospitalised. According to his father, he is out of surgery but under close observation and supported by machines.

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