Police Constable Klinzy Barasa will face charges with the murder of Boniface Kariuki, the mask hawker who was shot during the #JusticeforAlbertOjwang protests in Nairobi on June 18.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved the murder charges on Thursday. Kariuki , 24, died while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Barasa is accused of shooting Kariuki at close range during a crackdown on protesters. A viral video captured Barasa, in full uniform, hitting the hawker. The trigger-happy Barasa fired a shot to Boniface Kariuki’s head as he was facing and walking away from Barasa.
Boniface Kariuki, 24, fell to the ground bleeding, still clutching his box of masks.
The video caused public outrage and sparked calls for justice.
During the incident, Barasa was accompanied by another officer, Police Constable Duncan Kiprono.
However, investigations cleared Kiprono of wrongdoing. He was seen in the video trying to restrain himself and did not take part in the attack.
Was Boniface Kariuki Armed?
Kariuki, the mask vendor, was unarmed. Witnesses said he was not threatening the officers when the shooting happened.
Onlookers rushed him to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he underwent surgery twice. At first, doctors declared him brain dead, and he later died from his injuries.
Barasa is expected to appear in court to face the murder charges. Human rights groups have welcomed the move and are calling for a speedy and transparent trial.
The case has added to growing concern over the use of excessive force by police during protests in Kenya.
Especially after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen urged police to shoot protesters to kill, claiming it was for their own safety. Meanwhile, President Ruto issued a directive that police should shoot protesters in the legs or feet to disable, not kill, them, so they wouldn’t bleed out and could be arrested.
Who gives such orders?
By Vivian K.