A lawyer representing two police officers accused of assault and attempted murder in the shooting of protester Boniface Kariuki has officially withdrawn from the case, citing threats to his life and family allegedly linked to Kenya’s energized Gen Z online movement.
Felix Keaton, who had been defending officers Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the intimidation had become unbearable.
“In the interest of my personal safety and that of my family, I have taken the painful but necessary decision to cease all legal representation in this matter,” Keaton said.
Barasa and Kiprono, currently in custody following a court order, were captured on viral video allegedly assaulting and shooting Kariuki, a Nairobi hawker, during the June 17 protests in the city’s Central Business District. The footage has fueled national outrage and renewed calls for police reform.
Keaton revealed he had received over 1,000 threatening calls and messages, warning him to abandon the case or face dire consequences. He added that the harassment had extended to his family members, who were also targeted with disturbing and threatening messages.
“This is not just about me anymore. My family has been dragged into a volatile situation that puts our safety at risk. I cannot continue under such conditions,” he added.
The case has become a lightning rod for Kenya’s youth-led movement, which has been increasingly vocal and organized online, pushing back against state violence and impunity.
While some legal experts warn against mob influence in the judicial process, others argue that public pressure is playing a necessary role in confronting police brutality and systemic abuse.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently conducting investigations into the incident, with the officers detained for 15 days as the probe continues. Meanwhile, Kariuki remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital’s ICU.
