File image of Constables Masinde Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono.

The High Court has ordered the detention of two police constables, Masinde Klinzy Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, for 15 days in connection with the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The ruling was issued on Thursday, June 19, after the officers were arraigned at the Milimani High Court. The prosecution had requested more time to complete investigations into the incident, which left Kariuki critically injured.

The two will be held at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 3, when the case will be mentioned to assess the progress of the probe.

Barasa is alleged to be the officer who shot Kariuki, while Kiprono is said to have been with him at the time of the incident.

Kariuki, a mask vendor, was shot during protests in the city centre and is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kenyatta National Hospital. The incident sparked national outrage and condemnation from the international community.

In the wake of the shooting, the National Police Service confirmed that both officers had been interdicted and handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit for further processing.

“The two officers have now been interdicted and are currently being processed by the Homicide Team, DCI Headquarters, pending further action,” NPS stated.

The police service expressed regret over the incident and pledged to ensure accountability.

“The National Police Service deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served,” read part of the statement.