Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Barasa has pleaded not guilty to the murder of street vendor Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, who was shot during the June 17 anti-government protests outside Imenti House in Nairobi.
The High Court proceeded with plea-taking after a mental assessment by government psychiatrist Dr. Priscila Makau, dated July 21, 2025, confirmed that Barasa is mentally fit to stand trial.
Barasa is now facing a murder charge under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
During the court session, Barasa’s counsel, Counsel Keeton, applied for his client’s release on bond. The prosecution raised an objection to the application based on an already submitted affidavit by the Republic outlining reasons why bail ought to be denied. A counsel for the family of the deceased Mwangi also made an objection to the application, in the same vein as the prosecution, and asked the court to deny bond.
Justice Kanyi Kimondo scheduled a virtual hearing for August 19, 2025, to determine whether Barasa will be granted bail or bond. The judge also issued strict timelines for all parties to file their submissions.
“The defence shall file their bail application within seven days,” Justice Kimondo ruled.
He further directed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to serve its application to the defence and respond to the bail request within seven days of receiving it.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is directed to respond within seven days upon service,” he added.
Counsel Fred Ngatia, representing Mwangi’s family, was also given seven days to file a response.
Justice Kimondo emphasized that the victims’ family will be allowed to actively participate in the trial. Given the upcoming court recess, he confirmed that the bond hearing will be conducted virtually.
“Given the upcoming court recess, the hearing of the bail and bond applications shall proceed virtually on August 19, 2025,” the judge stated.
