Police officer pleads not guilty to murder of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki

Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa before Milimani Law Courts dock where he has pleaded not guilty to murder charge. [Nancy Gitonga, Standard]

Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has formally denied charges of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old street vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi in Nairobi's Central Business District during June 17 protest.

Masinde appeared before High Court Judge Kimondo Kanyi on Monday, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

"Plea of not guilty is accordingly entered," Justice Kanyi announced after the charge was read aloud in court.

The DPP, through State Prosecutor Vincent Monda, told the court that the accused is facing one count of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

"The particulars of the charge indicate that on June 17, 2025, outside Imenti House in Nairobi's Central Business District, within Nairobi County, you murdered Boniface Kariuki Mwangi," the charge sheet reads in part.

Masinde pleaded to the charges after the prosecution tendered a mental assessment report in court showing that he was fit to stand trial for murder charges.

"Following court orders the accused had undergone a mental assesement. Here is a medical report filed by government psychiatrist Dr. Priscilla Makau and dated July 21, 202 confirms that Masinde is mentally fit to stand trial. We are ready to take plea," Monda told the Judge.

Masinde, who was dressed in a white jumper and a blue face mask, stood silently as he was flanked by prison officers while his lawyer, Abdrazak Mohamed, requested more time to formally prepare a bond application

"We seek 14 days to put in a formal application for bond," Mohamed submitted, adding that they intend to pursue his release on bail pending trial.

However, the State prosecutor strongly opposed the bid to have Masinde released on bond.

"The Republic will be opposing to the accused person's release on bond pending trial. We have since filed an affidavit opposing bail, sworn by investigating officer Sarah Mwea," Monda told the court.

Monda argued that releasing the accused may interfere key witnesses whom some are his colleagues and the officer's safety.

Justice Kanyi ordered Masinde be remanded at Industrial Area Prison Remand pending the hearing of his bail application on August 19, 2025.