Police Constable Klinzy Barasa has pleaded not guilty to murdering Nairobi street mask vendor Boniface Kariuki.
Barasa is accused of murdering Kariuki on 17th June 2025 outside Imenti House in Nairobi Central Business District during protests.
He denied the charges before Justice Kanyi Kimondo after a mental assessment report indicated that he is fit to stand trial.
The judge directed that Barasa be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison until 19th August when his bail application will be heard.
The prosecution told the court that they intend to oppose the release of the accused person on bail.
Through state counsel Vincent Monda, the court heard that if released on bail, Barasa may interfere with key witnesses some of whom are his fellow police officers.
Barasa’s lawyer Abdirizak Mohamed sought 14 days to put in a formal application.
After the court session, family and friends of the late Kariuki expressed their frustrations at the judge for failing to order Barasa to remove his face mask.
The termed the situation unfair as the claimed they could not confirm it was Barasa in the dock.
