‘My Client Is Innocent’: Lawyer Defends Officer Accused of CBD Killing

Lawyer Vincent Yegon has strongly defended Police Constable Klinzy Masinde Baraza, insisting that the Kayole-based officer, accused of murdering a mask hawker during recent protests, is innocent and deserves bail. Baraza is charged with killing Boniface Mwangi Kariuki on June 17, 2025, outside Imenti House in Nairobi’s Central Business District, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

When he appeared before Lady Justice Margaret Muigai at the Milimani High Court on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, lawyer Yegon reaffirmed that the officer’s constitutional rights must be upheld. He stressed that the court should treat Baraza as innocent until the prosecution proves otherwise.

“My lady, you are being invited to deny somebody who is still innocent until otherwise proven. My lady, as we speak, my client is presumed innocent. Forget about what you have been told about this scenario happening in public in which a firearm was used. My lady, as far as the law is concerned, my client, Klinzy Baraza, is innocent until otherwise proven,” Yegon told the court.

He argued that Constable Klinzy is entitled to reasonable bail or bond as guaranteed by the Constitution, unless the prosecution presents compelling reasons to warrant denial.

“My lady, before I proceed, I want to remind this honourable court of what the law states in respect to an accused person’s right to bail,” Yegon submitted.

“My lady, Article 49 of the Constitution states that an accused person has a right to be released on bond or bail on reasonable conditions pending trial unless there are compelling reasons, my lady,” he added.

Yegon also dismissed the prosecution’s claim that Baraza is a flight risk, arguing that the State has not tabled any evidence to support that assertion. He emphasized that speculation cannot form the basis for denying a constitutional right.

The defence lawyer concluded by maintaining that his client deserves to be released on bail as he awaits the full hearing and determination of the murder charge.

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