High Court postpones Klinzy Barasa murder hearing again
By Zipporah Ngwatu, July 8, 2026A Milimani High Court has postponed the hearing of a murder case against Kayole Police Station police constable Klinzy Baraza, who is accused of killing a mask hawker.
Klinzy is accused of murdering mask vendor Boniface Mwangi Kariuki outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) during protests on June 17, 2025.
The hearing was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, before Justice Margaret Muigai, and the accused person was present on the court premises.
However, the court heard that the accused person’s counsel is indisposed; thus, the hearing could not proceed in his absence.
Judge Muigai directed that the matter be mentioned before the Deputy Registrar (DR) for setting another hearing date.
“The lawyer is indisposed, and I direct the matter to be mentioned before DR on July 30, 2026, for setting another hearing date,” Judge Muigai directed.
Klinzy has been in custody since his arrest in July 2025 after the court denied him bail pending the hearing and determination of his murder case.
While denying him bond and bail on February 9, 2026, Judge Muigai cited the need to protect the victim’s family members and witnesses in the case.
She noted that, according to reports by the 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, had told the court that the probation report presented raised concerns about potential interference with victims and witnesses by the accused.