Rex Masai Killing: Officer Denies Identity in Key Photos as IPOA Insists It’s Him

A dramatic twist unfolded in the inquest into the killing of 29-year-old protester Rex Masai, after Police Constable Isaiah Murangiri denied being the man captured in court photos linked to the fatal shooting.

Appearing before Milimani Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, Murangiri remained calm but tense as he disowned images presented by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). The photos allegedly show him at the Uhuru Highway on June 20, the day Masai was shot.

“That is not me. I can’t confirm that it’s the same person,” Murangiri told the court.

He maintained he was deployed near KICC but never engaged with protesters or fired any weapon. “I never fired that day,” he said. He also claimed he wasn’t in Nairobi during parts of the June protests.

During questioning by LSK lawyer David Mwangi, Murangiri admitted he belonged to Alpha Mike, a plainclothes anti-mugging squad operating under the Nairobi Police. He confirmed he was issued a tear gas launcher but said he never loaded or discharged it.

“Ballistics and armoury records would show if I used it, and I didn’t,” he insisted.

The DPP, however, tabled video and photographic evidence showing a man resembling Murangiri on both June 18 and June 20. The individual wore identical clothing, held a police walkie-talkie, and had a Kenyan-themed wristband—details IPOA claims match Murangiri, including a distinct mark under his left ear.

Murangiri denied remembering what he wore that day and refuted knowledge of any facial mark.

He clarified that Alpha Mike reports to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), not the OCS, contradicting previous testimony. He also claimed he stayed home on June 18 to care for a sick child and was not issued any arms or gear.

The trial took a tense turn when the court compared Murangiri’s face to the person in the photos. Lawyer Mwangi asked the officer to examine any distinguishing marks, but Murangiri said, “I know of no such mark.”

The hearing continues as the search for justice in Masai’s death pushes forward.

Masai was reportedly shot during anti–Finance Bill protests along Moi Avenue, Nairobi, on June 20.