Former Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei denied any involvement in the police actions that led to the death of Rex Maasai during the Gen Z protests on July 20, 2025. Bungei, who testified in court, firmly denied any knowledge of the police killings during the night in question, stating that no gunfire took place during the protests.
Bungei emphasized that the situation on the night of the protest was chaotic, with a multi-agency team deployed, including police officers from various units and even the military. However, despite his role as the officer in charge of overseeing regional security, Bungei admitted that he could not provide specific details on how the police officers were assigned their duties during the patrols that night.
“I cannot provide details. There was none. I say this because that was a reaction response,” Bungei said, further distancing himself from the incident. The testimony has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability regarding police operations during the protests.
Bungei’s claim that the police were merely reacting to the unfolding events casts doubt on the planning and coordination of the operation. He acknowledged the involvement of multiple agencies, including the military, but insisted that he did not have much information regarding the tragic death of Rex Maasai.
The court also heard Bungei’s assertion that he was unaware of whether Maasai had sustained any injuries or if his excessive bleeding had been caused by a gunshot wound. This statement has deepened the mystery surrounding the exact cause of death, as there is no clear confirmation about the circumstances under which Maasai was shot.
A key element in this ongoing inquest is the question of police accountability. Despite the police’s claims of reacting to the protests, the absence of clear details from Bungei regarding the deployment of officers and the nature of Maasai’s injuries leaves much to be clarified. Furthermore, Bungei noted that the police had not been informed in advance about the protests and only became aware of them through social media.
As the case progresses, many are left questioning the role of law enforcement during public demonstrations and the use of force by security agencies. The inquest into Rex Maasai’s death remains crucial in establishing who was responsible for his killing and whether the actions of the police and other agencies involved were justified.
