Police Constable Klinzy Baraza, attached to Kayole Police Station and accused of killing Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a mask hawker, has had his trial set to start in March 2026.
Klinzy, accused of murdering Kariuki outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during protests on June 17, 2025, will now face trial before Lady Justice Margaret Muigai.
High Court Judge Kanyi Kimondo on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, directed that Klinzy’s file be placed before Justice Muigai for the trial.
“This trial shall now be conducted by Justice Margaret Muigai. Pre-trial shall be on March 9, 2026, virtually or as directed by the trial court,” Judge Kimondo directed.
Kimondo’s directions follow Justice Muigai’s denial of bail and bond pending trial on February 9, 2026.
In her ruling, Muigai stated that her decision was motivated by the need to protect the victim’s family members and witnesses.
The court noted that, according to reports by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), some witnesses fear that the accused might harm them if released.
“The bail and bond application is denied to protect the victim, family members, and crucial, vulnerable, and key witnesses who, according to ODPP and IPOA reports, fear harm. This will also prevent possible interference with witnesses,” Justice Muigai ruled.
The DPP, through Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichui, told the court that the probation report raised concerns about potential interference with victims and witnesses by the accused.
Gichui also noted the need to deny bail to ensure public safety, citing the gravity and seriousness of the offence.
Klinzy had sought bail, arguing that his family has been struggling to put food on the table since they solely depend on him, adding that his wife is not formally employed and cannot provide much support.
Further, the application states that his two school-going children have been in and out of school due to financial constraints, and their mother cannot provide for their education single-handedly.
“For the period I have been in custody, my family has been living hand to mouth, which is threatening the disintegration of my family and negatively impacting the children and my sick and elderly mother,” part of the application read.
He also stated that due to the constraints his wife is facing as a result of his detention, she has threatened to leave him, which would lead to him losing his young family.
“Raising two children and attending to other needs such as rent and food on her own without any form of employment has taken a toll on my wife; she has threatened to leave, which will disintegrate the family and risk my children becoming delinquents,” part of the affidavit read.
