Senior Detectives to Take Over Rex Masai Probe as New Witnesses Emerge in Ongoing Inquest
A photo of the Gen Z activist Rex Masai who was killed during the Gen-Z protests in 2024, Kenya
The National Police Service (NPS) has announced that senior investigators will take over the ongoing probe into the killing of Gen Z activist Rex Masai, citing serious gaps and incomplete evidence in the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s (IPOA) investigation.
This move comes as the inquest into Masai’s death, which has gripped public attention, uncovers new witnesses and previously overlooked evidence.
In a submission made before Senior Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo at the Milimani Law Courts, lawyers representing the NP, G & A Advocates, expressed dissatisfaction with how IPOA handled the matter. They warned that failure to rectify the omissions in the investigation could lead to a miscarriage of justice.
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“The death of Rex Masai is of immense public concern. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the NPS told the court, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation.
The police urged the court not to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to close the inquest prematurely, arguing that several crucial pieces of evidence had not been presented. “No stone should be left unturned, particularly in a matter where life was lost,” the Service stated, underscoring their insistence on a complete inquiry.
Police Criticize IPOA and DPP for “Incomplete” Investigations
In a sharp critique, the NPS accused IPOA and the DPP of conducting what it termed as “incomplete and lackadaisical” investigations. They argued that the evidence collected so far was insufficient to ensure accountability for Masai’s killing. The police contended that such lapses could allow those responsible to evade justice.
The Service outlined several areas that required further scrutiny, including statements from eyewitnesses, CCTV footage from a nearby bank, photographic identification, arms movement registers, ballistic analysis of a Ceska pistol, medical testimony, and evidence from the property manager of International Life House, the site where Masai was fatally shot.
According to the NPS, only the arms register from Central Police Station has been submitted to the court, even though officers from multiple police stations—including Kamakunji, Kilimani, Ngara, and Parliament Police Stations—were deployed during the anti-government protests where Masai was killed.
Key Eyewitness and Additional Testimonies
The police highlighted the absence of key eyewitness testimony, particularly that of George Ndickers Abuti, a close friend of the late activist. Abuti reportedly told IPOA that he was with Masai when police officers opened fire on protesters and that he personally carried him to Bliss Hospital, where Masai succumbed to his injuries.
On October 30, 2025, the planned closure of the inquest was postponed after ten new witnesses were introduced. Among them were Dr. Lawrence Machira from Bliss Hospital and George Ndickers Abuti, both considered crucial to understanding the final moments before Masai’s death.
NPS Seeks to Summon the DPP
In a surprising turn, the NPS indicated its intention to summon DPP Renson Ingonga to testify in court. The police claim that the DPP ordered IPOA to commence investigations into Masai’s death barely 12 hours after the shooting, thereby sidelining the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which typically handles such cases.
“I have been instructed by NPS to seek summons for Ingonga to attend court and testify,” the NPS lawyers told Magistrate Onsarigo, adding that the DPP must explain why he concluded that a police officer was responsible for the killing.
A separate bid by the DPP, represented by counsel Jalson Makori, and IPOA to summon Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat was shelved after the NPS insisted that the DPP himself should appear before the court.
Former Police Commander Recalled for Further Testimony
During the same court session, former Nairobi sub-county police commander Dorris Mugambi was recalled for a third round of testimony regarding an operations order allegedly issued during the protests. The court also reviewed a letter from DIG Lagat, in which he stated that no official operational orders were in place to manage the June 2024 anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi.
This revelation raises further questions about the chain of command, accountability, and the legality of the police actions during the protest where Masai was killed.
Public Pressure for Justice
Masai’s death during the June 2024 demonstrations has become a rallying point for Kenya’s Gen Z protest movement, which has been demanding police accountability and justice for victims of extrajudicial killings. The controversy surrounding IPOA’s investigation, coupled with allegations of interference and missing evidence, has only heightened public suspicion and anger.
The renewed inquest and the introduction of additional witnesses mark a significant turning point in the pursuit of justice for Rex Masai. With senior investigators now taking charge, expectations are high that the investigation will uncover the full truth behind the activist’s killing and ensure that those responsible are held to account.
As the court proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the NPS, IPOA, and the DPP—three institutions now under public scrutiny to prove that justice in Kenya is not only promised but delivered.
