Two police constables captured on camera shooting an unarmed hawker, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, have since been interdicted.

Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arrested yesterday night by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

“The two officers have been interdicted and are currently being processed by the Homicide Team, DCI Headquarters, pending further action,” said spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

Masinde and Kiprono were captured by journalists and demonstrators engaging Kariuki, who was selling masks outside Imenti House.

Kariuki moved a few metres from the officers, and they followed him, where they assaulted him before one of them fired at close range.

Kariuki was hit on his left face and was rushed to Bliss health facility along Moi Avenue by well-wishers, where first aid was administered. He was then transferred to the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Kariuki was placed on life support at the facility after surgery.

“The National Police Service (NPS) deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served,” said Muchiri.

The two officers were attached to Kileleshwa Police Station. Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said Masinde and Kiprono should be treated as the face of impunity and criminality at NPS.

Premeditated shooting

She said the shooting was not only unjustified but premeditated as well, and adds to the complaints against police disregarding human life, despite Kariuki not being involved in the demos.

“Their punishment must serve as a lasting deterrent for all officers who undermine and violate their constitutional duties,” she added.

Elsewhere, NPS Spokesperson has refuted claims on social media that some police officers who had been deployed to the CBD during the June 17 demonstrations against Albert Ojwang’s murder at Central Police Station in Nairobi, looted.

Muchiri said the officers caught on video holding laptops from a shop along Moi Avenue were some of the stolen items. “Police officers arrested one suspect and recovered four laptops, which are now in safe custody as exhibits at the Central Police Station, Nairobi,” he said.

Collins Barasa, a guard at one of the buildings, told The Standard that police had told him to tell the owner of the shop that was broken into by goons to go get them from Central Police Station.

Muchiri called on shop owners who had their shops broken into, to go and identify them at the station. “An investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in criminal activities during the protests,” said Muchiri.

Earlier, the LSK president, in a press conference, accused the police of doing nothing to stop goons who were attacking people in Nairobi’s CBD.

She further said police also participated in the looting. “We have seen images of police officers looting and making away with laptops from shops broken into by the goons,” said Odhiambo.

“Sadly, those whom Kenyans have entrusted to protect their lives and property are at the heart of undermining the safety and security of Kenyans,” she said.