Police Officer Who Shot Mask Vendor Boniface Mwangi, Claims Wife Is Threatening To Leave Him

A Nairobi police officer, Klinzy Barasa, is fighting to be released on bail as he awaits trial for the alleged murder of a street mask seller.

Barasa, who was charged with shooting hawker Boniface Mwangi Kariuki at close range in Kayole, told the High Court that his detention is tearing his young family apart.

Through his lawyers, Barasa argued that his continued stay in custody has left his wife overwhelmed and considering walking away from the marriage.

He also said his two children are frequently missing school because there is no money for fees, while his sickly mother no longer receives the medical care she needs.

“My family is surviving from hand to mouth. The pressure is threatening to break us apart, and unless bail is granted, my children and mother will suffer irreversibly,” Barasa said in an affidavit.

The officer, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, wants the court to release him on reasonable bail terms. His defence team, led by lawyer Vincent Yegon, argued that under Article 49 (1)(h) of the Constitution, every accused person has the right to bail unless there are compelling reasons to deny it.

They added that Barasa is not a flight risk since he has permanent residences in both Kayole and Bungoma. 

His lawyers further assured the court that he would fully comply with any conditions imposed and attend all trial sessions.

However, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly opposed his release. In a sworn affidavit, IPOA’s Assistant Director of Investigations, Sarah Mwea, urged the court to keep Barasa in custody.

While the authority did not disclose the full details of its objection, prosecutors earlier told the court that releasing him could interfere with witnesses and compromise the case.Justice Margaret Muigai has directed both sides to file their submissions ahead of September 16, when she is expected to make a ruling on the bail application.