NAIROBI, Kenya – June 17, 2025: Nairobi’s Central Business District descended into chaos as protests erupted over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ in police custody. Amid the unrest, 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki was shot in the head near Imenti House—a moment captured on video that has since fueled national outrage.
Kariuki, who sells face masks on the streets, is now in critical but stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a projectile from his skull.
In response to the public outcry, authorities have arrested and interdicted two General Service Unit (GSU) officers: Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde (Service No. 119413) and Duncan Kiprono (Service No. 117193). Both were stationed in Nairobi, with Barasa serving at Kayole Police Station and possessing five years of experience in crowd control and counter-terrorism.
Barasa Identified Through Social Media Footprint
Barasa quickly became the primary suspect after Kenyans on social media identified him from viral footage, despite his balaclava. Observers matched a distinct Jamaican wristband and Kenyan flag bracelet seen in the video with photos on Barasa’s active TikTok and Facebook profiles (@batarizahke and Climzy Bantarizah). His Instagram, which features over 1,000 followers, includes images of him in uniform—one captioned, “I can’t fix stupid, but I can cuff it.”
Angry users flooded his accounts with condemnation, and several screenshots—including one of him in uniform—have been widely shared online. His marital status remains unclear, though archived photos from 2021 show him in the company of women, including one taking a selfie while he was on a phone call.
The Shooting and Legal Defense
According to eyewitnesses and video evidence, Kariuki collapsed outside Imenti House after being hit by what appeared to be a round from a Stoeger P3000 pump-action shotgun, reportedly fired by Barasa.
Barasa’s lawyer, Felix Kiprono Keaton, has denied his client’s involvement, citing mistaken identity. He questioned the reliability of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) methods, suggesting the identification could be based on AI-generated images. Keaton also called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take over the case, citing potential bias.
Weapon of Concern: The Stoeger P3000
The Stoeger P3000, a Turkish-made 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, has raised eyebrows among security experts. Commonly used in tactical scenarios, the weapon has a 4+1 shell capacity and can fire both 2¾-inch and 3-inch rounds, including buckshot and slugs.
While often loaded with rubber pellets or beanbags during crowd control, the use of 00 buckshot—nine pellets per round—makes it dangerously lethal. Its lack of serial markings on projectiles complicates forensic tracing, leading to widespread criticism of its use in policing.
Mounting Pressure on Police Service
Kariuki’s shooting has intensified scrutiny of the National Police Service (NPS), which expressed regret over the incident. However, many Kenyans remain skeptical, citing the country’s long history of police impunity.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has gone further, accusing elements within the police of colluding with criminals to suppress dissent, especially during peaceful protests. The DCI’s Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation.
Meanwhile, Barasa and Kiprono are being held at Capitol Hill Police Station, awaiting arraignment.
A Nation on Edge
The shooting of Boniface Kariuki, along with the suspicious death of Albert Ojwang’, has amplified demands for police reform and accountability. Activists, including Boniface Mwangi, have condemned the crackdown, as have a growing number of Kenyan citizens and public figures.
With the injured hawker’s survival hanging in the balance and pressure mounting on law enforcement, the coming days may prove pivotal in shaping the future of police accountability in Kenya.
By Ghafla