I Didn’t Fire Even A Teargas Cannister, Accused Cop Denies Involvement In Killing Rex Masai

On Wednesday, a police officer denied allegations of being involved in the shooting death of Rex Masai during the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 on June 18.

Officer Isaiah Murangiri, speaking at the Milimani Court, insisted he was off duty when Masai was killed.

“I was not on duty on June 18 and 19. I only returned to work on June 20 and was assigned to KICC to manage the ongoing protests,” he stated.

Attached to Central Police Station, Murangiri explained that protests had engulfed Nairobi’s CBD from 10 am that day. He carried a teargas launcher but maintained he did not deploy it.

“I did not fire any shots or launch any teargas canisters,” he testified.

After his shift, around 6pm, he returned the launcher to the station and went home.

When confronted with accusations of shooting Rex, Murangiri replied, “I don’t know because I wasn’t armed. I wasn’t even in the CBD when Rex was shot.”

Murangiri was the fourth witness in the inquest held on December 11, 2024, but his testimony was paused due to the state’s intention to introduce video evidence.

Rex Masai, 29, lost his life after reportedly being hit by a live bullet during the evening of the protests, which had erupted across the nation.