The High Court in Kenya has denied bail to police officer Klinzy Baraza, who is charged with the murder of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki during demonstrations on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi.

• Justice Margaret Muigai rejected the bail application, citing risk of witness interference, safety concerns for the victim’s family, the seriousness of the offense, and potential erosion of public confidence in the justice system.
• The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed bail, highlighting the compelling evidence, potential life sentence, and fear expressed by both police and civilian witnesses.
• The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also opposed bail, stating that investigations indicated Baraza’s authority and influence posed a substantial risk of interference with key witnesses.
• The deceased’s family reported suffering psychological, social, and economic hardship, and had received intimidating calls and messages urging them to abandon the case.
• The court noted that Baraza’s training and access as a police officer heightened the risk of him evading detection, interfering with witnesses, or tampering with evidence.
• The judge hinted that the officer might renew his bail application after key witnesses testify.