A Nairobi High Court has retained July 8, 2026, as the date to start the hearing of a murder case against Kayole Police Station 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.

In the previous pre-trial directions, the victim’s family lawyer, Eric Muriuki, had informed the court that they had not received the committal bundles on June 31, 2025, as averred by the State.

When the matter came up for a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, before Lady Justice Margaret Muigai, the court heard that every party had received committal bundles for the case.

The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) counsel confirmed that the committal bundle was sent to the counsel watching the brief for the victim’s family.

“So, for now, let us just say the committal bundle has been served. I’m informed there is a hearing date of July 8, 2026, so we still retain that,” Judge Muigai stated.

“And if there are any issues in between, you write to the DR and the ODPP, and we can mention the matter,” the judge directed.

The court also directed the defence team to reach out to the ODPP to know how many witnesses will be presented to the court for the case.

Judge Muigai also noted that the accused person must attend court physically during the hearings.

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 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.