The harsh consequences of alleged unlawful conduct appear to be catching up with Police Constable Klinzy Baraza Masinde just weeks after Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen publicly issued a controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive, vowing to protect officers who might later face prosecution.
Despite these promises, Baraza found himself standing alone in the dock today, facing a murder charge over the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor.
The officer, once believed to be defending state interests, now faces the justice system without state legal support.
Baraza was arraigned before Justice Kanyi Kimondo at the Milimani High Court, where he was formally charged with one count of murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
The charge stems from the fatal incident that occurred on June 17, 2025, outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District during GenZ Protests where Boniface Kariuki was shot on the head at a close range allegedly by Baraza.
He succumbed to the fatal injuries later at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Baraza denied the charge.
The court directed the prosecution to file a formal application opposing Baraza’s release on bail within seven days.
The family of the deceased has also been granted seven days to file a response to the application.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is pushing for the maximum penalty death should Baraza be found guilty.
IPOA’s Assistant Director of Investigations, Sarah Mwea, emphasized the seriousness of the matter and urged the court to assess the safety of two key witnesses considered to be at risk.
