The inquest into the killing of Rex Masai, a 29-year-old protester shot during the June 2024 Gen Z demonstrations in Nairobi, has revealed troubling findings that point to possible interference with police records.
The investigation, led by Chief Magistrate Geoffrey Onsaringo at Milimani Law Courts, has focused on how firearms were handled and recorded by police on the day Masai was killed.
Testimonies from police officers have shown that there were several irregularities in the arms movement register, raising suspicion of a cover-up.
Corporal Martin Githinji admitted that he signed for two firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition but said he only received one gun and 15 rounds. The register showed conflicting information, including different force numbers next to his name and signs that names had been erased and replaced using correction fluid.
Despite the changes, his signature and force number remained. Githinji also said that when returning the weapon, he didn’t sign again, calling it a simple human error.
The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Jalson Makori, disagreed, saying the errors were serious and could not be ignored. He called the records misleading and described them as a sign of a larger effort to hide the truth.
PC Geoffrey Murangiri, another officer mentioned in the case, said he was only issued a teargas launcher. However, the register indicated that he also received rubber bullets, which added to the confusion and suspicion.
PC Simon Waweru also testified but denied discharging any weapons, even though his name appeared in altered sections of the register.
Public reaction to the revelations has been filled with frustration and anger.
Many Kenyans online are demanding accountability, calling for justice for Rex Masai and punishment for any officer found guilty of wrongdoing.
Comments on social media reflect this mood, with people expressing disappointment in the police and raising concerns about whether the country can still trust law enforcement institutions.
The court has asked for certified copies of the arms register and instructed officers to report to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for further questioning.
The next hearing, scheduled for July 29, is expected to feature a key protected witness who may provide more insight into what happened during the protest.
Human rights groups and Masai’s family have remained active in pushing for justice, pointing out that this case is about more than one individual. For them, it’s about the need for reforms and greater transparency within the police service.
This case has reminded many Kenyans of other past reports of misconduct within the police, including cases where officers allegedly rented out government weapons to criminals. It also shows that proper record-keeping and openness are still challenges in the service.
The findings from this inquest could be a turning point if they lead to reforms and accountability. For now, the public waits to see if justice for Rex Masai will be achieved.
