Police officer Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri is set to face trial on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Rex Kanyeki Masai along Moi Avenue, Nairobi. The incident occurred during the anti-Finance Bill protests in June 2024, which saw thousands take to the streets against proposed tax hikes.
Background of the Incident
On June 21, 2024, nationwide demonstrations erupted in protest of the controversial Finance Bill, which many Kenyans argued would impose an unbearable economic burden. Protesters gathered near Parliament, with security forces using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Amid the chaos, Rex Kanyeki Masai was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby medical facility. The killing sparked public outrage, with activists and human rights groups demanding accountability for police brutality during protests.
Investigations and Arrest
Following an outcry from the public, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) instructed the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a thorough investigation. After weeks of inquiries, Officer Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri was identified as the officer responsible for Masai’s fatal shooting. He was arrested and charged, setting the stage for the upcoming court case.
Upcoming Court Hearing
The trial is set to take place at Milimani Law Courts on February 5, 2025. Activists and supporters of Masai’s family have called for peaceful demonstrations outside the court, demanding justice for victims of police brutality.
“We want justice, not just for Rex, but for all victims of state violence. This trial is a test of Kenya’s commitment to human rights,” said a spokesperson from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
Public Reactions
The case has reignited debates on police accountability and the right to protest in Kenya. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for Masai’s family, with hashtags like #JusticeForRexMasai and #StopPoliceBrutality trending.
Kenyans now await the court’s ruling, with hopes that justice will be served in what is being described as a landmark case for police reform in Kenya.