By Faith Chebotip
Two police officers accused of shooting a Nairobi hawker during anti-police brutality protests have denied any involvement. The officers, Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, were interdicted and are under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor, was selling face masks when violence erupted amid the protests. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when armed individuals reportedly infiltrated the crowd, leading to attacks on civilians and businesses.
Represented by lawyer Felix Keaton, the officers denied firing live ammunition, asserting that law enforcement personnel at the scene were only equipped with shotguns and rubber bullets.
“If any shots were fired, they were not live ammunition,” said Keaton.
The National Police Service (NPS) acknowledged the incident in a public statement, expressing regret and affirming its commitment to a transparent investigation. The NPS also confirmed that the officers in question had been removed from active duty pending further inquiry.
Kariuki was initially treated at a city clinic before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his head. KNH CEO Dr. William Sigilai reported that Kariuki remains in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit.
The shooting has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability and oversight in police operations across the country.
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