A Nairobi Milimani court allowed the police to detain two police officers accused of shooting a mask vendor during demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.

The two, Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono will be detained at Capitol Hill police station for 15 days pending investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had sought  21 more days to complete its investigations.

The officers allegedly shot Boniface Mwangi Kariuki on June 17, along Mondlane Street as police dispersed demonstrators.

According to Corporal Nahshon Zoka of the Homicide Bureau at the DCI, the victim was rushed by good Samaritans to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where he underwent surgery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.

The DCI arrested the officers on June 18 and booked them at Capitol Hill Police Station.

The DCI in their application wanted them detained for 21 more days to allow for ballistic analysis of the officers’ firearms, forensic review of CCTV footage, analysis of scene samples by the Government Chemist, and recording of statements from witnesses including the victim, who is currently unable to speak.

“There is a real likelihood of interference with witnesses and with the impending investigations should the Respondents be released before the IPOA initiate investigations, and or before the completion of the investigations on the basis of the incident,” said Zoka.

The officers were deployed to manage the protests when the shooting allegedly occurred.

The shooting which was caught on camera has caused an uproar with demands for action.

The victim is fighting for his life in hospital after a two hour surgery in the head to remove a rubber bullet.