Kenyan prosecutors announced on Thursday that a police officer will face murder charges for fatally shooting an unarmed bystander during recent protests against police violence.
The country has been gripped by waves of demonstrations targeting President William Ruto’s administration, with tensions escalating as security forces respond with force.
Rights groups report that at least 50 people have lost their lives in the unrest so far.
One of those killed was Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was not part of the protests. On June 17, he was shot at close range by an officer in riot gear while going about his business in Nairobi. The shooting, caught on video and widely circulated online, triggered outrage nationwide.
Kariuki succumbed to his injuries in hospital days later, fuelling further anger over police conduct. His funeral is scheduled for Friday in the outskirts of Nairobi.
Among them was mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, who was not protesting. He was shot by a policeman in riot gear on June 17 in the capital Nairobi.
The incident was filmed and shared widely online and sparked huge anger, which only increased when Kariuki died of his wounds in hospital.
Kariuki’s funeral will be held on Friday outside Nairobi.
Read also: Kenya Sees Fatalities As Police Crack Down on Protesters
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said it “has approved a murder charge against a police officer who allegedly murdered a mask vendor in Nairobi”, in a post on X.
Kenya’s prosecution authorities have confirmed that Klinzy Barasa Masinde, the police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed bystander during anti-police brutality demonstrations, has appeared in court. The 32-year-old officer is to remain in custody while undergoing a mental evaluation before formal murder charges are brought against him. His next court appearance is set for July 28.
The decision to prosecute Masinde comes amid heightened public anger over the government’s handling of protests. Just a day earlier, President William Ruto sparked outrage by suggesting that security forces should shoot looters in the leg, treat their injuries in hospital, and then charge them in court. His remarks drew swift condemnation from rights groups and Kenyans online.
The June 17 demonstration, during which Masinde allegedly opened fire, was itself prompted by the death of a teacher who had been arrested over social media posts criticising senior police officials. Six suspects — including three police officers — have already been charged with the teacher’s murder.