Police Officer Denies Role in Rex Masai’s Death Despite IPOA Evidence

The inquest into the tragic killing of 29-year-old Rex Masai during a June 2024 anti-finance bill protest took a dramatic turn this week after a police officer linked to the shooting was identified through video and photographic evidence presented by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Corporal Isaiah Murangiri Ndumba, the officer accused of firing the fatal shot, appeared at the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, July 17, where IPOA presented compelling forensic materials—images, CCTV footage, and mobile phone data—indicating his direct involvement in dispersing protesters on the day Masai was shot in the Nairobi CBD.

Despite the weight of the evidence, Murangiri denied any involvement, stating, “I’m not the one.” He claimed he was off duty that day attending to his sick child and was officially deployed at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), not in the city center where Masai met his death.

However, IPOA’s Assistant Director of Forensics, Paul Njihia, led a detailed presentation that included zoomed-in photographs highlighting the officer’s distinct attire, accessories, and a birthmark below his left ear. All these matched Murangiri’s appearance in court. IPOA also tracked the officer’s mobile phone signal to the vicinity of Moi Avenue, near the scene of the shooting.

The forensic team further ruled that Rex Masai died from a live bullet wound and not from tear gas or a rubber bullet. This revelation contradicts earlier police accounts that downplayed the use of live ammunition during the protests.

Senior Resident Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, overseeing the inquest, was visibly unconvinced by the officer’s denial. He ordered three more officers from Central Police Station—Corporal Martin Githinji, Constable Simon Waweru, and Constable Geoffrey Mbae—to appear in court. He also directed the production of original firearms registers for June 18 to 20 to assist IPOA in verifying weapon assignments and use during the protests.

The officer’s denial, despite being confronted with unmistakable evidence, has sparked renewed public outrage over police accountability in Kenya. IPOA’s push for transparency and the court’s decision to widen the scope of inquiry have been welcomed by human rights organizations, who argue that justice for Masai is critical to restoring public trust in law enforcement.

The inquest continues on Thursday, July 18, with more testimonies expected as the court seeks to determine responsibility for the killing and evaluate the conduct of police officers during the protests.

Rex Masai has since become a symbol of the #RejectFinanceBill movement, which has been characterized by mass youth-led demonstrations calling for economic reforms and accountability. His death brought international attention to Kenya’s handling of protests, use of force, and the urgent need for reform in the country’s policing policies.