Nairobi (EFE).- A Kenyan police officer accused of killing a 22-year old face mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, during a protest in Nairobi on Jun. 17 pleaded not guilty to murder charges on Monday at the Milimani High Court. The court ordered the officer to remain in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Aug. 19.
Officer Klinzy Masinde Barasa, 32, appeared in court wearing a white sweater and blue surgical mask.
He remained silent during the session while being escorted by prison guards.
“The not-guilty plea is officially recorded,” said Judge Kimondo Kanyi, who ordered Barasa to be held at Nairobi’s Industrial Area Prison pending further proceedings
Barasa’s lawyer, Abdrazak Mohamed, asked the court for additional time to prepare a formal bail request.
A psychiatric evaluation presented by the prosecution confirmed that the officer is mentally fit to stand trial.
Prosecutor opposes bail request
State Prosecutor Vincent Monda told the court that the prosecution will oppose bail, arguing that Barasa could interfere with key witnesses, some of whom are fellow officers, and that his release could endanger his safety.
“The Republic will oppose bail ahead of the trial. We have already submitted an affidavit by the investigating officer, Sarah Mwea, opposing bail,” Monda stated.
Barasa is one of two officers seen in footage widely shared on social media and local outlets during the Jun. 17 protests, allegedly beating Kariuki with the butt of a shotgun before shooting him in the head.
The second officer, Ducan Kiprono, was released due to a lack of evidence.
Anger mounts over police brutality
The protest where Kariuki was killed was sparked by the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who was found dead in police custody earlier that month.
The incident triggered national outrage and led to mass demonstrations.
According to a report by Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), at least 65 people were killed during four days of recent protests, with documented cases of “excessive use of force” by security forces. EFE
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