NAIROBI, June 18, 2025 (k47 digital News) – The National Police Service (NPS) has interdicted two officers following the shooting of an unarmed civilian in an incident that has sparked public outrage, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (No. 117193) were arrested hours after the Tuesday incident and are now under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Team. The victim, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, is in stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing surgery, the NPS said in a press statement.
Details of the Incident
While the NPS did not disclose the exact circumstances of the shooting, preliminary reports suggest the incident occurred during a routine patrol in Nairobi. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with Kariuki allegedly being shot at close range despite posing no visible threat.
“The National Police Service deeply regrets this unjustified act,” said Muchim Nyaga, the NPS Director of Corporate Communications. “We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
Public and Legal Repercussions
The shooting has reignited debates over police brutality and accountability in Kenya, where extrajudicial killings and excessive force allegations have long plagued law enforcement. Human rights groups have demanded an independent probe, citing a pattern of impunity.
“This is not an isolated case,” said Esther Wanjiku, a spokesperson for Amnesty International Kenya. “We need systemic reforms to prevent such abuses.”
Legal experts say the officers could face murder or attempted murder charges if evidence confirms misconduct. Under Kenyan law, police interdiction suspends an officer’s duties pending investigation but does not equate to guilt.
Victim’s Condition and Family Response
Kariuki, a 34-year-old businessman, remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds to the abdomen. Family members told Reuters they were “relieved” by his stabilization but demanded swift accountability.
“Why shoot an unarmed man? We want these officers prosecuted,” said his brother, Joseph Kariuki.
NPS’s Broader Accountability Pledge
The NPS emphasized its “zero tolerance” for misconduct, noting that bodycam footage and witness statements are being reviewed. Inspector General Japhet Koome is expected to address the incident publicly later this week.
This case follows recent reforms, including mandatory bodycams for patrol units—a policy activists say has been inconsistently enforced.
Background:
Kenya’s police force has faced scrutiny since the 2010 Constitution mandated oversight bodies like IPOA. However, convictions for police abuses remain rare.
