NAIROBI, Kenya – Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, a street vendor who was fatally shot outside Imenti House in Nairobi on June 17.
The plea was taken on Friday after a mental assessment conducted by government psychiatrist Dr. Priscila Makau on July 21 declared the officer fit to stand trial.
Barasa is charged with murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
During the court proceedings, Barasa’s legal team applied for his release on bond pending trial.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, citing an affidavit detailing reasons why the State believes he should be denied bail.
A lawyer representing the victim’s family also objected to the bond request, backing the prosecution and urging the court to consider the gravity of the alleged offence and its impact on the public.
The court is expected to rule on the bond application in due course.
Mwangi’s killing sparked public outrage last month and renewed calls for greater accountability within the National Police Service.
Civil society groups have since demanded justice for the victim and a broader crackdown on excessive use of force by law enforcement.
