Boniface Mwangi slams judiciary for allowing police suspects hide faces in court

Boniface Mwangi has publicly criticised the judiciary and police over a growing trend where suspects, particularly police officers, appear in court with their faces concealed.

His strong condemnation came through a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), where he accused the judiciary of enabling a culture of impunity.

In his post, Mwangi mocked the dramatic ways in which suspects cover their identities, using surgical masks, hoodies, and even tying jackets around their heads, calling it a mockery of justice.

He specifically took aim at the courts, magistrates, and independent institutions for allowing what he termed as “a shameful failure of justice.”

“There’s a serious problem in this country when judges and magistrates allow notorious murderers, rapists, and thieves to mask their faces in public courts. That’s not justice—it’s cowardice,” he said.

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A post shared by Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi)

The former award-winning photojournalist added, “This is a failure of leadership, even from Chief Justice Martha Koome, who once said no one should hide their face in court.”

Mwangi argued that showing one’s face in court is not just symbolic, but a legal and moral necessity. “If you’re innocent, you have nothing to hide. Concealing your face raises suspicion. That man in the dock could be wanted for another crime elsewhere, and allowing him to hide enables further injustice,” he stated.

He added passionately, “Hakuna kuficha sura kortini! The court is for the people. Showing your face is not optional, it is mandatory.”

The activist’s remarks follow the appearance of two police officers, Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, who were charged with the shooting of a face mask seller Boniface Kariuki along Moi Avenue during the June 17th protests.

Barasa and Kiprono were allegedly captured on camera using brutal force against the unarmed hawker.

The two appeared at the Milimani Law Courts with their faces completely covered, sparking renewed national debate on transparency and accountability within Kenya’s justice system.