Kenya, Feb. 5 -- On February 5, 2025, former Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei testified at the Milimani Law Courts in the inquest into the death of Rex Masai, killed during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Bungei denied that police officers were responsible for Masai's death, stating that no gunfire was involved on the night Masai was fatally injured, despite postmortem reports confirming a gunshot wound as the cause of death.
Police Officer Isaiah Ndumba, implicated in Masai's death, has denied being at the scene during the protests.
Ndumba claimed he left the area before the incident occurred and was not armed with a firearm, only carrying a "logger" for teargas canisters. However, evidence from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) places him in Nairobi until later, contradicting his testimony.
The IPOA has challenged Ndumba's account, revealing discrepancies in his location and the use of a third phone number, previously undisclosed.
This has cast doubt on his testimony, with the inquest set to review a video clip that could potentially identify the officer involved in the shooting.
Rex Masai's family has accused the police of a cover-up, alleging that the bullet was removed from Masai's body after his death, which they discovered during the post-mortem.
This claim was made amidst a backdrop of a retracted witness statement due to alleged intimidation, further complicating the pursuit of justice.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has taken legal action against Ndumba, seeking to prevent the deployment of officers in civilian clothing during protests, which they argue led to Masai's death.
The LSK's petition highlights the lack of police identification, which they say enabled officers to blend in with protesters.
Netizens reflect public frustration and call for justice, with mentions of solidarity with Masai's family and criticism over the handling of evidence and witness intimidation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.