The inquest into the death of Rex Kanyike Masai resumes today at the Milimani Law Court in Nairobi. Masai, who was shot and killed in June 2024 during a police operation against anti-tax protesters in Nairobi’s city center, tragically died from gunshot wounds shortly after the incident. The case has drawn attention due to the controversial circumstances surrounding his death, prompting the authorities to launch an inquest to determine whether criminal charges, including murder, should be pursued against those implicated.
Masai, a young man in his 30s, was struck by a bullet in the upper middle thigh during the chaos that erupted as police clashed with the protesters. He was swiftly transported to Bliss Hospital on Nairobi’s Moi Avenue, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival. According to a doctor who attended to him, the bullet wound led to significant blood loss, which likely caused his death before he could be treated at the hospital.
In the wake of his death, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The goal is to establish whether the actions of police officers were directly responsible for Masai’s death or if other factors, including private individuals, may have played a role. The inquest, led by Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, aims to determine whether charges should be brought against the police officers involved in the operation or other potential suspects.
One of the police officers who has been implicated in the incident is Isaiah Muraguri, who was part of the team responding to the protests. However, the current director of police operations, Adamson Bungei, has also testified during the proceedings. Bungei distanced himself and his unit from any involvement in the shooting, asserting that his team did not discharge any firearms during the protests. He stated that although there was gunfire during the confrontation, it did not necessarily come from police officers. Bungei suggested that other individuals, including private gun owners, might have been involved in the incident, citing the possibility that someone other than a police officer could have fired the fatal shot.
Bungei’s testimony further complicated the investigation, as it introduced the idea that non-police actors might have contributed to the fatal shooting, despite the violent nature of the protest and police intervention. He also emphasized that the chaotic environment surrounding the demonstration made it difficult to identify the source of all gunshots fired on that day. His statements have led to further scrutiny of the broader context of the protest and the response from both law enforcement and civilians.
The inquest has become a point of contention not only because of the tragic loss of life but also due to its potential implications for law enforcement accountability. The events surrounding Masai’s death have sparked public outcry, with many demanding justice for what they perceive as an unjustified use of force by the police during the protests. While some have called for murder charges to be brought against the officers, others argue that the situation was far more complex, pointing to the possibility that the actions of various parties contributed to the tragic outcome.
As the inquest progresses, more witnesses are expected to testify, including those involved in the protest and others with knowledge of the events surrounding the shooting. The findings of the inquest will be crucial in determining the next steps in the case, as the legal system seeks to address the questions surrounding Rex Masai’s death and ensure that those responsible, if any, are held accountable for their actions.
