Klinzy Barasa Masinde, the police officer who was caught on camera shooting the late vendor Boniface Kariuki, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of the hawker.
Masinde was appearing before Justice Kanyi Kimondo on Monday, July 28, and suffered another blow after the prosecution opposed his bond application.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) urged the court to deny the 32-year-old constable bond and remand him pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
Masinde, who has been charged with murder, has also pleaded not guilty, meaning that he will have to undergo a full trial.
The court confirmed that Masinde had undergone a mental assessment and was declared fit to stand trial.
Arguing their case, the prosecution highlighted the defendant’s position as a police officer, providing him access to resources he could use to intimidate the witnesses and fellow officers.
They also cited his technical knowledge and access to sensitive information, including communication data, as tools he could use to trace or intimidate witnesses.
Another concern raised by the prosecution is that Masinde is a flight risk and might skip court hearings.
Lastly, the court heard that his release could incite public unrest and endanger his own safety, given widespread public outrage over the incident.
“The DPP maintained that releasing him at this stage could undermine public confidence in the justice system, especially amid ongoing concerns about police accountability in use-of-force cases,” a statement by the DPP read.
Following the prosecution’s presentation, the defendant was directed to file a bond application within seven days.
The DPP will be granted a similar period to consider the application, after which it will be heard in court on August 19.
