A Nairobi court has granted detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 15 days to detain two police constables captured on video shooting a mask hawker at close range during Tuesday’s protests in the Central Business District in Nairobi.
Constables Masinde Klinzy Barasa, identified as the officer who opened fire, and Duncan Kiprono, who was at the scene, were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday.
The court directed that the matter be mentioned on July 3 to confirm the progress of the investigations.
The incident, which occurred near Tom Mboya Street, was caught on camera and widely circulated on social media, sparking public outrage.
The shooting happened during protests against police brutality and the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in custody.
The 22-year-old victim, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital where he remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
NAIROBI, Kenya – A prominent Nairobi lawyer has withdrawn from representing two police officers accused of shooting an unarmed street vendor, citing an overwhelming wave of threats allegedly orchestrated by Kenya’s digitally-mobilized youth movement known as “Gen Z.”
Felix Keaton, who was defending Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, announced his decision Wednesday morning, just hours before the officers were scheduled to appear in court for their arraignment at Milimani Law Courts.
The case centers around the brutal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a 32-year-old mask vendor, during anti-police brutality protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District on June 17.
Kariuki was shot in the head at close range while selling face masks near Imenti House on Moi Avenue.
Video footage of the incident, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, shows Kariuki raising his hands in apparent surrender before being shot by one of the officers.
The hawker collapsed to the ground while still clutching the packet of face masks he was selling.
Kariuki survived the shooting but underwent emergency surgery to remove what medical officials described as a rubber bullet from his skull. He remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, according to hospital spokesperson William Sigilai.
Keaton revealed that he had received more than 1,000 threatening calls and messages demanding he abandon the case.
The threats extended beyond himself to include his family members, prompting his decision to step down.
“In the interest of my personal safety and that of my family, I have taken the painful but necessary decision to cease all legal representation in this matter,” Keaton stated in his withdrawal notice.
The lawyer’s decision highlights the intense public pressure surrounding the case, which has become emblematic of Kenya’s ongoing struggle with police accountability and the growing influence of youth-led digital activism.
Officers Appear in Court
Despite their lawyer’s withdrawal, both Masinde and Kiprono were brought to Milimani Law Courts on Thursday morning aboard a Toyota Premio. The officers, dressed in black trousers, heavy coats, and face masks, were held in court cells ahead of their appearance.
The National Police Service had previously interdicted both officers following Inspector General Douglas Kanja’s order for their immediate arrest. They have been processed by the Homicide Team at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters as investigations continue.
The shooting occurred during protests sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, adding another layer to Kenya’s escalating tensions between law enforcement and civil society activists.
The demonstrations were part of broader calls for police reform and accountability that have gained momentum among Kenya’s youth.
Witness Edwin Kagia, a fellow hawker who was present during the incident, provided a chilling account: “We were selling masks near Imenti House when the police fired tear gas. One officer slapped Boniface, and as he raised his hands in surrender, he shot him.”
The incident has drawn condemnation from civil rights groups, political leaders, and former Chief Justice David Maraga, who described the shooting as “cold and inhuman.”
The International Commission of Jurists Kenya has demanded an independent probe into the shooting.
Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed it treated 16 casualties from the Tuesday protests, with Kariuki’s case being the most severe.
Digital activism
Keaton’s withdrawal underscores the power of Kenya’s Gen Z movement, which has increasingly used digital platforms to mobilize public opinion and pressure authorities.
The movement gained international attention during last year’s anti-tax protests, which resulted in significant casualties and forced the government to withdraw controversial tax proposals.
The case has also raised questions about the right to legal representation versus public accountability, as the intense online pressure may complicate the officers’ ability to secure adequate defense counsel.
With their original lawyer having withdrawn, Masinde and Kiprono will need to secure new legal representation as their case proceeds through the courts.
The prosecution is expected to face scrutiny over the handling of what has become one of the most closely watched police brutality cases in recent Kenyan history.
The incident continues to fuel broader debates about police reform, with activists calling for civilian oversight of law enforcement and an end to the culture of impunity that they argue protects officers who abuse their power.
As Kariuki fights for his life in the hospital, his case has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle between Kenya’s security forces and a generation of young activists demanding change through digital organizing and street protests.
An investigation reveals the systematic recruitment and deployment of armed gangs to disrupt demonstrations following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody
The chaos that engulfed Nairobi’s Central Business District during Tuesday’s protests was not spontaneous but the result of a carefully orchestrated plan involving paid goons, political coordination, and alleged police complicity that began unfolding as early as Thursday, June 13, 2025.
An investigation by this publication has uncovered disturbing details of how hundreds of young men were recruited from informal settlements, armed with crude weapons, and deployed to disrupt demonstrations protesting the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody.
The Recruitment Network
Goons armed with rungus roaming Nairobi streets during clash with protesters.
The operation centered on a systematic recruitment drive targeting youth from specific areas including Congo in Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, and Mathare.
Local coordinators and estate chairpersons, often serving as political mobilizers, were tasked with assembling teams of what sources describe as “goons” to counter the planned protests.
“I was called on Monday evening and told there was a job if I was interested. I did not hesitate as I needed the money. I was promised Sh2,000 and told that the police had been briefed, so they wouldn’t harm us,” revealed one recruited individual from Kawangware in Dagoretti North who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The recruited youth were instructed to carry whips, clubs, and other crude weapons, with a clear directive: deal ruthlessly with the protesters. Boda boda riders who accepted the assignment were specifically told to carry two armed passengers each.
Assembly and Deployment
Goons in mortorbikes roam the city as protesters march.
On the morning of June 17, the recruited goons assembled at a busy petrol station on Valley Road, where they received their payment and had their motorcycle fuel tanks filled to capacity before heading to the CBD.
“In the morning, I saw tens of motorcycles at the petrol station. Each had its fuel tank filled to capacity. Those present received Sh2,000 before heading to town,” confirmed a fuel attendant at the station.
As they rode toward the city center, witnesses reported seeing the riders and passengers waving whips while chanting, “Hatutakubali maandamano hii town! (We won’t allow protests in this town).”
However, conflicting reports have emerged about the payment amounts.
Amnesty International Executive Director Houghton Irungu has claimed that individuals who infiltrated and disrupted the peaceful justice for Ojwang protests on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, were paid a mere Ksh200, while other sources, including one of the goons under duress, stated they “were paid Sh1,000 to disrupt the planned protests.”
Political Warnings and Threats
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In the days leading up to the protest, several political figures issued stern warnings to potential demonstrators.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, speaking during a church service attended by President William Ruto in Kakamega County, declared: “I want to tell youths in Nairobi, demonstrating for your rights is allowed, but we will not allow the destruction of property again. That will never happen again in Nairobi… So don’t try it, you’ll find me in town.”
Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo, also known as Matach, was captured on video urging Governor Sakaja to mobilize youth to work alongside police in managing protesters.
“Governor Sakaja formed a youth group and paired them with police so anyone trying to cause chaos would be dealt with accordingly,” Odhiambo stated.
Activist Calvince Okoth, known as Gaucho, had also warned demonstrators against protesting but later denied involvement, claiming he was out of the country during the protests.
The Unholy Alliance
Calvince Gaucho.
What distinguished the hired goons from legitimate protesters was their apparent coordination with law enforcement.
They walked beside officers, despite being visibly armed with pangas, clubs and whips.
This collaboration was witnessed by numerous observers and captured in photographs showing armed civilians operating alongside uniformed police officers.
Today’s protests took a sinister turn as police officers and hired thugs joined forces in plain sight.
In a scene both brazen and unsettling, hired goons arrived on motorbikes, others armed with clubs and whips terrorizing innocent passers-by all under the approving gaze of security forces.
Some goons were reportedly heard giving instructions to anti-riot officers, telling them when and where to deploy tear gas against protesters.
When Plans Went Awry
Protestors set a blaze a motorcycle allegedly belong to one of the hired goons.
The hired operatives soon found themselves outmatched when they encountered determined protesters on Moi Avenue.
Several goons were assaulted by demonstrators, and some of their motorcycles were set ablaze.
One rider attempting to escape was cornered on Koinange Street and beaten by protesters who demanded to know who had hired them.
“We didn’t know we were coming to fight the protesters. We were told we were guarding shops from looters,” claimed one of the hired individuals, suggesting that some participants were misled about their actual mission.
Official Responses and Denials
State House distanced itself from the chaos, with spokesperson Hussein Mohammed stating that “Matters related to public order, safety and law enforcement fall within the mandate of the police, under the Inspector-General, who operate independently in the execution of their duties.”
Governor Sakaja later condemned the violence, stating: “We categorically dissociate ourselves from any gangs, militias, or politically sponsored groups that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity.”
However, witnesses reported seeing some goons near City Hall, apparently hailing the governor for allowing them to “secure the city.”
Isaac Mwaura, Government Spokesperson.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed suggestions that the goons represented government interests, insisting that “all Kenyans have the constitutional right to express their political opinions.”
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri Nyaga denied any collaboration with goons, calling such suggestions “preposterous.” He warned that “Photos don’t disappear. Action will be taken” against those captured breaking the law.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo condemned the violence as a sign of rising anarchy, denouncing what she called the “barbaric conduct” of militia-like groups working in coordination with police.
“Those who came in motorbikes were in groups and were armed and were paid by some politicians and senior officials at City Hall to harm the protestors,” one of the riders told The Standard newspaper.
The deployment of paid goons represents a troubling escalation in Kenya’s approach to managing civil demonstrations.
President William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” The EU, U.S., and U.K. have all called for a transparent investigation.
The late Albert Ojwang’
Ojwang, 31, was a teacher and father whose “last known communication was a plea for bail,” after being arrested for allegedly defaming a senior police officer through his blog posts exposing police corruption.
The truth, as confirmed by a postmortem, is that he was beaten to death.
His death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for police accountability in a country where at least 60 people were killed last year during a crackdown by security forces on protests over contentious tax legislation, the youngest a 12-year-old boy who was shot in the back.
Investigations Continue
As investigations into the June 17 chaos continue, questions remain about the extent of political involvement in recruiting and deploying armed goons against peaceful protesters.
The systematic nature of the recruitment, the specific payment amounts, and the apparent coordination with law enforcement suggest this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent.
The events in Nairobi have drawn comparisons to similar tactics used across East Africa, where governments have increasingly turned to non-state actors to supplement official security forces in managing civil unrest.
With more protests planned, including a mass demonstration scheduled for June 25, the revelations about paid goons and their alleged police protection have only intensified calls for accountability and reform in Kenya’s approach to handling civil demonstrations.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has summoned Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat to record a statement over the controversial death of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang, who died in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station on June 7, was reportedly arrested after DIG Lagat filed a complaint accusing him of publishing false and malicious information.
His death has since sparked nationwide outrage and protests, with activists and civil society calling for justice and police accountability.
In a statement issued Wednesday, IPOA chairperson Isaack Hassan confirmed the summons.
“Having found basis, IPOA has issued a summons to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, to appear before the Authority’s investigations team to record a statement,” Hassan announced during a press briefing.
DIG Lagat, who stepped aside from office on June 16 pending investigations, said his decision was made in “good and conscious thought” of his responsibilities amid growing scrutiny.
“I have today opted to step aside… pending completion of investigations,” Lagat’s statement read.
Ojwang’s death while in police custody has become a national flashpoint, with mounting allegations of police brutality and misconduct.
IPOA is leading a multi-pronged investigation, including analysis of seized CCTV footage from the station, biological samples submitted to the Government Chemist, and phone data requested from mobile service providers tied to persons of interest in the case.
In a significant development earlier this week, IPOA also secured the extended detention of Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam, who is under investigation for his potential role in Ojwang’s death.
Public pressure continues to build as citizens demand justice and systemic reform in the police service. Meanwhile, political and community leaders have weighed in, some defending Lagat’s integrity while others insist on full transparency and accountability.
The family of Albert Ojwang, the teacher and activist who died in police custody at Nairobi Central Police Station, is calling for enhanced government protection as they seek justice for their loved one’s controversial death.
Speaking on NTV’s morning program “Fixing the Nation” on Tuesday, family lawyer Julius Juma expressed deep concerns about the family’s safety given the sensitive nature of the case.
The legal representative emphasized that both the family members and he personally feel vulnerable and exposed as they navigate the complex legal proceedings.
“We want to be assured of our security as we pursue justice for Ojwang. Everyone on the family’s side, including myself, feels exposed,” Juma stated during the television appearance. “I am seeking protection for the family and myself because we do not really know who we are dealing with.”
The security concerns have intensified following disturbing witness testimonies that allegedly implicate senior police officers in Ojwang’s fatal torture while in custody. These revelations have added another layer of complexity to an already contentious case that has captured national attention.
Beyond security concerns, Juma also raised red flags about potential interference with the ongoing investigations. The lawyer called for complete transparency in the investigative process and demanded that all evidence be preserved without tampering.
“I call for transparency in the investigations. All evidence should be preserved, and there should be no interference with witnesses or the investigative process,” he emphasized. “Investigating bodies must carry out their mandate independently, without taking instructions or succumbing to external pressure.”
The case has drawn attention from Kenya’s highest political offices. President William Ruto personally contacted Meshack Ojwang, Albert’s father, offering condolences and providing Sh2 million in financial support to the grieving family. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also reached out from abroad to express his sympathies.
Meshack Ojwang confirmed these high-level interactions on Monday, expressing gratitude for the political support during this difficult period. “I thank the President for taking up my son’s case as his own and standing with our family. Even Raila Odinga called me from abroad to console me,” the father said.
The tragedy unfolded when Albert Ojwang, who was the only child of Meshack Ojwang, was arrested at his rural home in Homa Bay on June 7. He subsequently died while in police custody in Nairobi, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability within Kenya’s law enforcement system.
The death of blogger Albert Ojwang continues to shake the foundations of Kenya’s law enforcement system.
On Monday, Constable James Mukhwana shocked the country by implicating top police officers, including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Nairobi’s OCS Samson Talaam, in the brutal killing.
But just a day later, veteran lawyer Danstan Omari questioned the credibility of Mukhwana’s claims, warning the public and investigators not to treat the statement as gospel truth without proper legal scrutiny.
Omari’s fierce response now places Mukhwana’s explosive testimony under intense national spotlight.
Constable Mukhwana’s statement has opened a floodgate of questions. But Lawyer Danstan Omari’s sharp rebuttal has shown just how complicated and politically sensitive the case has become. [Photo: Courtesy]
Lawyer Questions the Truth in Constable Mukhwana’s Statement
On Tuesday, June 17, Lawyer Danstan Omari publicly challenged the authenticity of Constable Mukhwana’s statement regarding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Speaking during a morning radio interview, Omari warned that the statement should not be accepted as fact until it goes through rigorous legal testing.
“Mukhwana’s statement has not been subjected to cross-examination. That is why the country must be careful,” Omari said firmly. “Its truth will only come out when tested in court.”
According to Omari, any witness statement—especially one as sensational and serious as Mukhwana’s—must be examined under strict legal processes. He noted that IPOA may collect multiple statements from various individuals, but their real value lies in corroboration and court evaluation.
“Some people give statements based on instruction, others based on hearsay. The quality and credibility of a statement are only proven when it stands up to cross-examination,” Omari explained.
Omari represents one of the key suspects, OCS Samson Talaam, in court. He has also raised concerns that the investigation into Ojwang’s death is already taking a dangerous and unlawful turn.
Legal Process Must Be Followed to Avoid Cover-Up
Omari took the opportunity to remind the public and investigative authorities of the legal steps required when a suspect dies in police custody. Citing Sections 385 and 386 of Kenya’s Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 75), he explained that an inquest must first be carried out.
“When someone dies in a police cell, the law demands an inquest. The first complainant comes forward, and others who were present give evidence. Only then can we determine who, if anyone, is to be charged,” he stated.
According to the Criminal Procedure Code, the process is clear:
An inquest is opened to investigate the death.
Witnesses testify under oath.
The magistrate makes a finding based on all available evidence.
The inquest file is then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The DPP decides if criminal charges should follow.
Omari accused investigators of bypassing this legal process in Ojwang’s case, arguing that this could lead to a false narrative and a cover-up of the real killers.
“What we are seeing is the reverse of the law,” he said. “When this happens, it becomes very easy for the truth to be buried and scapegoats to be used.”
He emphasized that only a proper inquest can allow full public participation, giving a chance for any witness with useful information to come forward.
Omari: Statement Alone Cannot Nail Suspects Without Evidence
Omari also stressed that Mukhwana’s statement, no matter how detailed or shocking, cannot on its own lead to convictions. He warned against trial by media or emotion, saying only the courts can determine guilt.
“The quality of that statement improves only when it is corroborated. If others who were present have a different account, then it becomes just a story—not evidence,” he explained.
In the Monday court session at Milimani, where Omari defended Talaam, tensions were high. Civil society groups, media, and members of the public have shown growing concern over police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Ojwang, a vocal government critic and influencer on social media platform X, had long reported harassment by security agents.
His death in police custody triggered a national uproar, with fingers pointed directly at the highest levels of the police force. But Omari has urged Kenyans not to jump to conclusions based on one statement.
“We want justice for Ojwang, but justice must be based on law—not emotions, not statements, not media drama,” he concluded.
