The family of the late mask vendor, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, has expressed frustration following court proceedings in which the accused, Klinzy Masinde Barasa, appeared masked during the plea-taking session on murder charges.
The family said they were disappointed that the accused did not remove his mask during the session and expressed concern that the presiding judge did not give a directive on the matter.
The family further said they were hoping for a clearer identification of the accused during the court appearance.
They also stated that they found it difficult to confirm if the person in the dock was the accused.
“We just saw the eyes of somebody saying he is not guilty. How can we be sure it’s the same person?” said Emily Wanjira, a cousin of the deceased and family spokesperson.
The family noted that a mental assessment had been conducted on the accused, and they were awaiting the outcome of the case with the hope that justice would be served.
They also expressed disappointment over the withdrawal of charges against a second suspect, Duncan Kiprono, despite a video of the incident circulating online.
Boniface’s father also voiced his concern that the accused remained masked throughout the court proceedings.
The family stated that they had identified several witnesses and hoped they would be present during the trial phase.
Boniface Mwangi Kariuki was shot in the head at close range during protests and later died while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
The case has drawn public attention and sparked widespread concern.
