A file photo of Klinzy Barasa Masinde, officer accused of shooting mask vendor.
In a dramatic twist to the viral Nairobi protest shooting, Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde , accused of firing the rubber bullet that struck a mask vendor now claims he is a victim of mistaken identity.
Barasa, who was arrested and interdicted following the incident that sparked nationwide outrage, is denying any involvement in the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, the hawker captured on video collapsing in pain after being shot during anti-government protests on Tuesday, June 17.
Speaking through his lawyer, Felix Kiprono Keaton, Barasa insists the bullet did not come from his weapon.
“Our client is clear. He was there but did not discharge any firearm. Yes, he appears in the video, but being in the frame does not mean being the shooter,” said Kiprono during a press briefing.
“This is a clear case of mistaken identity.”
The lawyer further argued that a ballistic analysis will ultimately prove Barasa’s innocence, and challenged the integrity of the identification process.
“We suspect the arrest was based on artificial intelligence facial recognition, which is dangerously unreliable. Our client is being crucified on shaky evidence,” Kiprono added.
Barasa’s arrest was ordered by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome after the shocking footage triggered public outrage and demands for justice.
However, the defense has called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take over the investigation, questioning why a unit typically handling homicide cases is leading a probe into a non-lethal shooting.
Barasa is currently detained at Capital Hill Police Station and is expected in court on Thursday, June 19.
His legal team fears IPOA may seek to hold him longer as ballistic and forensic examinations proceed.
By Newshub