The recent sighting of police officer Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri walking freely in Nairobi has triggered anger and pain across the country.
This is the same officer who was linked to the shooting of 29-year-old Rex Masai during anti-Finance Bill protests on June 18, 2024. The incident shocked many Kenyans at the time and has remained a painful memory for Rex’s family.
Now, nearly a year later, seeing the man believed to be behind the fatal shooting walking casually in public has opened fresh wounds.The officer was seen wearing a black jacket and white shirt in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
A photo that has since gone viral was first shared by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi. In the image, Murangiri is seen walking with another man believed to be a friend. For many, the image is not just a reminder of the stalled justice, but a symbol of how the system continues to protect those accused of serious crimes.
The Masai family, who have spent the last year seeking answers, are now left even more disturbed by the sight of the man they believe took their son’s life moving around as though nothing ever happened.
On the day Rex Masai died, footage captured by CCTV showed a man who looked very similar to Murangiri firing into a crowd of peaceful demonstrators. That image became the face of police brutality in the country.
It sparked outrage and led to Murangiri’s arrest and arraignment in court. But soon after, the case began to drag. Murangiri denied any wrongdoing and was released as the investigation continued.
The case has now entered its second year, and there has been no meaningful update from the authorities.The lack of progress in the case is deeply frustrating. For a family that lost a son in such a brutal and public manner, the silence from those meant to uphold justice has been painful.
They have been patient, trusting that the courts and the police would do their jobs. But with each passing day, their hope is tested. Seeing the officer free, with no sign of accountability, only worsens their pain.This incident once again raises serious questions about how police-related cases are handled in Kenya.
Despite clear public evidence and massive attention, the wheels of justice have moved too slowly. The image of Murangiri walking freely will remain a haunting reminder of a system that often forgets the victims while protecting the powerful.
For the Masai family and many Kenyans, justice delayed is now beginning to feel like justice denied.
