Police Officer Charged With Murder of Nairobi Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki

A police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed street vendor during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi has been officially charged with murder. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Thursday confirmed that Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Baraza will face murder charges following the killing of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki on June 17, 2025.

Baraza was caught on camera firing at demonstrators along Mondlane Street near Imenti House during a Gen-Z-led protest. Graphic video footage showed Kariuki falling to the ground after being hit, followed by another officer—identified as Duncan Kiprono—assaulting him with the butt of his firearm. Moments later, Baraza allegedly shot Kariuki in the head at close range.

Despite swift emergency aid administered at Bliss Medical Center and a later transfer to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kariuki succumbed to his injuries on June 30 while in the Intensive Care Unit. He died at 3:15 p.m., nearly two weeks after the shooting.

The disturbing footage sparked national outrage, particularly due to the protest’s message against police brutality—the very force that ended Kariuki’s life. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an immediate investigation, which led to the arrest of both Baraza and Kiprono. However, following completion of the investigation, Kiprono was released without charge.

Both officers were attached to Kileleshwa Police Station and had been deployed to manage protests in Nairobi CBD.

Kariuki, a well-known mask vendor, will be buried in his hometown of Kangema, Murang’a County. A requiem mass was held in his honour at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on Wednesday, drawing emotional tributes and renewed calls for police accountability.

The case now moves to trial, with the nation watching closely.