Court grants IPOA 7 more days to hold officers accused of killing Nairobi masks hawker Boniface Kariuki
The two officers, Barasa and Kiprono, are under investigation in connection with the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, also known as Eli Joshua, who later died at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
A Nairobi court has granted the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) an additional seven days to detain two police officers accused of shooting and killing a hawker, Boniface Kariuki, as investigations continue.
When the matter came up for mention on Thursday, the prosecution told Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi that the initial 21-day detention period for officers Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono was set to lapse and investigations had not been completed.
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The two officers, Barasa and Kiprono, are under investigation in connection with the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, also known as Eli Joshua, who later died at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
"Your honour, we have not finalised investigations and require more time to complete the probe. There is a need for further forensic analysis, ballistic examinations, and the recording of additional witness statements. We pray for a seven-day extension," the court was informed.
While granting the extension, the magistrate stated that IPOA’s request was justified and supported by the circumstances of the case.
"The Judiciary stands in solidarity with the family of the deceased and is committed to ensuring that justice is served. I also extend my condolences to the family on behalf of the judiciary and legal fraternity", the magistrate said.
The suspects will remain in custody at the Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10.
Present in court were representatives from IPOA, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the late Kariuki's relatives.
Kariuki, a face mask vendor, was shot during a crowd dispersal operation along Moi Avenue, sustaining critical head injuries.
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