A police officer has denied involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Rex Masai, who died during the nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The demonstrations, held on June 18, turned violent in several areas, including Nairobi, where Masai met his untimely demise.
Officer Isaiah Murangiri, who is attached to the Central Police Station, testified before the Milimani Court on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Murangiri unequivocally denied firing any weapon or deploying teargas on the day in question.
“I didn’t fire any rounds from any weapon. I also didn’t launch any teargas canisters,” Murangiri told the court. He further clarified that he was not on duty during the June 18 and 19 protests, only resuming work on June 20. On that day, he was deployed to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) to manage ongoing demonstrations.
The Day of the Protests
According to Murangiri, demonstrations erupted across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) from mid-morning on June 18. These protests, organized to express discontent with the Finance Bill, escalated into violent confrontations with police.
Murangiri testified that his duties on June 20 were confined to KICC and surrounding areas. He emphasized that he returned all issued equipment, including a launcher, to the station by 6:00 PM that evening before heading home.
When cross-examined about allegations linking him to Masai’s shooting, Murangiri denied being in the CBD at the time of the incident. “I don’t know because I wasn’t armed. I wasn’t even at CBD when Rex was shot,” he stated.
The Tragic Death of Rex Masai
Masai, a father of one, was fatally injured by a live bullet during the chaotic twilight hours of the protest. Witnesses alleged that police fired directly at protestors in a bid to disperse them, a claim that has since led to a public outcry and calls for accountability.
Masai’s death has become a symbol of the price citizens pay during confrontations with security forces. The government’s response to the protests has been criticized as heavy-handed, with multiple reports of injuries and fatalities across the country.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Murangiri’s testimony was part of an ongoing inquest into Masai’s death. He was the fourth witness to take the stand, providing his version of events under intense scrutiny. The prosecution announced plans to present video evidence at a later date, prompting the court to adjourn Murangiri’s testimony.
The inquest seeks to establish the circumstances leading to Masai’s death and identify those responsible. While no officer has been directly charged, the case has reignited debates over police accountability and use of force during public demonstrations.
Public and Political Reactions
Masai’s death has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society and opposition leaders, who accuse the police of acting with impunity. Human rights organizations have demanded transparent investigations and justice for victims of police brutality.
The Finance Bill 2024, which sparked the protests, has faced criticism for introducing controversial tax measures seen as burdensome by many Kenyans. The government’s handling of dissent has only fueled public resentment, with calls for reform in the security sector growing louder.
The Search for Justice
As the inquest continues, the family of Rex Masai remains hopeful that those responsible for his death will be held accountable. His death is a stark reminder of the cost of civic resistance in Kenya, where clashes between police and protestors often turn deadly.
For many, the case represents more than just the loss of one life. It is a test of Kenya’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. With the court set to reconvene to review additional evidence, all eyes remain on the judicial process and its ability to deliver a fair outcome.
