1. The Ruling: Why the Cell Door Stayed Shut
In the most recent hearing at the Milimani Law Courts, Justice Kanyi Kimondo upheld the decision to keep Constable Baraza behind bars. The ruling sent a clear message: a badge is not a “get out of jail free” card.
The court’s refusal to grant bail was based on several critical factors:
The “Blue Wall” Influence: The prosecution argued that as a serving officer, Baraza possesses the means to intimidate witnesses—many of whom are his own colleagues who were present at the scene on Moi Avenue.
The Viral Smoking Gun: Unlike many cases of police misconduct, this shooting was captured in high-definition video from multiple angles. The strength of the evidence makes the accused a significant flight risk.
Public Safety: The court noted that the killing of a 22-year-old bystander sparked national outrage. Releasing the officer could not only lead to civil unrest but also put the officer’s own life at risk from a vengeful public.
2. Recapping the Tragedy: June 17, 2025
For many, the image of Boniface Kariuki is etched in memory. A young man, simply trying to earn a living selling face masks during a protest, was cornered near Imenti House.
The Assault: Viral footage showed officers assaulting Kariuki before a single, fatal shot was fired at close range.
The Aftermath: Kariuki fought for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for nearly two weeks. Doctors declared him brain-dead, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries on June 30, 2025, leaving his family with a KES 3.6 million hospital bill and a hole in their hearts.
The Spark: The protests that day were ironically about police accountability, following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Kariuki’s death only added fuel to a burning fire.
3. The Defense’s Struggle: “Situational Stress”
Baraza’s legal team has attempted to pivot the narrative. They initially argued that the officer was under “extreme situational stress” due to the chaotic nature of the demonstrations.
However, medical assessments from Mathare Mental Hospital declared Baraza fit to stand trial, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has maintained that the use of lethal force was entirely unprovoked. While his co-accused, Duncan Kiprono, saw his charges handled differently, Baraza remains the primary focus of the murder trial.
