Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde was relatively unknown to the wider public until the week of 17th June 2025—when a disturbing video widely shared online appeared to show him shooting a defenseless mask vendor during Kenya’s anti-finance bill protests.
The man he shot, Boniface Kariuki, tragically died in hospital shortly after, on 30th June 2025. Beyond the viral footage, a pressing question has emerged among Kenyans: who exactly is Barasa?
Barasa, identifiable by police service number 119413, had served in the National Police Service long enough to earn the rank of Constable.
While public records offer little on his specific place of birth, upbringing, or education, what is abundantly clear is his prominent digital footprint—which, before the incident, was notably loud and active.
The "TikTok Officer" Under Scrutiny
Before the tragic incident, Barasa was actively building a steady following on both TikTok and Instagram, frequently posting content while in uniform.
His short videos often featured popular audio trends, lip-syncs, and comedic skits primarily centred around dating and relationships.
One now-deleted post, which gained notoriety, read chillingly: "I can’t fix stupid—but I can cuff it."
He appeared to style himself as a relatable, confident officer with a distinct Gen Z appeal, seeking to connect with a younger audience.
His Instagram account boasted over 1,000 followers, and on TikTok, he posted regularly, cultivating a persona that blended law enforcement with modern internet culture.
However, both accounts were swiftly deleted following the intense public backlash over the shooting incident, as widespread scrutiny turned his online activities into stark evidence.
In one particularly viral clip, he was seen casually smoking something with a caption implying it was not a cigarette.
These previously light-hearted moments—once just internet fun—now sit under severe public scrutiny, re-contextualised by the gravity of the allegations against him.
A Career on the Line and the Quest for Justice
Following the incident that garnered national attention, Barasa was promptly arrested and interdicted from service.
His lawyer has also inadvertently gone viral—for all the wrong reasons—after repeatedly misusing the word "choosed" instead of "chose" during a press statement, leading to further public ridicule and distraction online.
Constable Klinzy Barasa isn’t just another police officer facing a legal battle. His case has come to represent a younger generation of officers—individuals who are more visible, more connected through social media, and now, regrettably, more controversial.
As Kenya grapples with intense debates surrounding police accountability, the pervasive issue of police brutality, and the growing influence of social media on public perception and justice, Barasa’s case may well be remembered as a pivotal turning point.
The profound question that now weighs heavily on the nation is: what does justice truly look like in this unprecedented age of virality and instant public judgment?
He is set to be presented in court on 28th July 2025 for a plea taking, following a mental assessment ordered by Justice Kanyi Kimondo.
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