NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has interdicted two police officers in connection with the shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, an unarmed street vendor who was gunned down during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NPS confirmed that Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (Service No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (Service No. 117193) have been arrested and are currently under investigation by the Homicide Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters.
The shooting, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked public outrage after it showed one of the officers shooting Kariuki at close range near Imenti House.
Kariuki was not part of the protests and was reportedly selling face masks when the incident occurred.
The police described the act as “unjustified” and extended its regret to Kariuki’s family, pledging full cooperation in the pursuit of justice.
“The National Police Service deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served,” said Muchiri Nyaga, NPS Director of Corporate Communication.
PRESS STATEMENT : UPDATE REGARDING THE SHOOTING INCIDENT INVOLVING AN UNARMED CIVILIAN
Victim in Stable Condition After Surgery
Kariuki, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, underwent emergency neurosurgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
According to the latest update from KNH officials, he is in stable condition and remains under close medical observation in the Intensive Care Unit.
The officers’ interdiction comes amid mounting pressure from civil society, legal associations, and international observers demanding accountability and an end to police brutality in Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Amnesty International, and other rights groups have welcomed the arrests but insist that the process must result in full criminal prosecution and institutional reform within the police service.
As the investigation progresses, the NPS has urged the public to remain calm and assured Kenyans that the case will be handled with transparency.
