Mask hawker murder: DPP opposes bail for police constable Klinzy Baraza
The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has vehemently opposed the release of Police Constable Klinzy Baraza Masinde on bail or bond pending trial in his murder case.
The DPP, through Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichui, told the court that the probation report presented raised concerns about potential victim and witness interference by the accused.
You might also like
Appearing before Justice Margaret Muigai on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Gichui also noted that there was a need to deny the accused bail to ensure public safety due to the gravity and seriousness of the offence.
In addition, the DPP expressed concerns about the accused’s court attendance during the hearing of his case if he were released on bail.
“My lady, one of the considerations in bond and bail issues, apart from interference, public safety, and the gravity and seriousness of the offence, is whether the accused person will attend court,” State Counsel Gichui told the court.
Also watch: Police officer Klinzy Barasa pleads not guilty to murder of mask vendor Boniface Mwangi
The State further told the court that the pre-bail report did not mention how the accused would fund his trips to attend trial, as he would be moving to his rural home. The probation report also did not clearly state the location of this rural home.
“My lady, the accused was based at Kayole, but now he intends to go home. We do not have enough information about where that locality is or who will be responsible for him. We have a high fear that he will abscond and fail to attend court in this manner,” Gichui submitted to the court.
Notably, the court heard that if it must grant the accused bail or bond, it should do so only after the key witnesses in the case have tendered their testimonies in court.
“My lady, we contend that before bail is granted, our key witnesses should be heard by this court so as to sufficiently ensure the integrity of their testimony,” State Counsel Gichui told the court.
“We therefore request the court not to grant bail at this moment and allow our key witnesses to testify,” Gichui added.
According to the State, the probation report stated that the accused’s mother is willing to host her son at her rural home if the court releases him on bail.
