Two police officers who were caught on video shooting a face mask vendor will remain in police custody for 15 days pending further investigations, a court has ruled.
The two, Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arraigned on Thursday, June 19, at the Milimani Law Courts.
The two were in court to answer to charges relating to the shooting, which left a hawker fighting for his life.
2 officers related to the shooting of a mask vendor in CBD to be detained for 15 days. Photo: Courtesy.
The decision to hold the two officers was arrived at after the prosecution agreed with their lawyers to hold the pair for at least 15 more days to allow for IPOA to probe the case
The mask vendor who goes by the name Boniface Kariuki was shot in the head at point-blank range on Tuesday, June 17 during the protest.
According to a video shared on social media, Kariuki was going about his business when he was accosted by two uniformed police officers.
He was standing on the walkway as the two officers ran past, only to abruptly stop and confront him.
The clip shows one officer slapping the man across the face and as he tried to shield himself, the second officer struck him in the waist with the butt of a gun.
In a desperate attempt to escape, the man turned to flee, however, one officer raised his weapon, aimed, and shot him in the head as he ran.
After firing the fatal shot, the officers walked away.
Moments later, a group of protesters rushed to the man’s side, finding him unresponsive.
The graphic video has since gone viral on social media, further fueling anger and condemnation against the police.
