An inquest into the death of 29-year-old activist Rex Kanyike Masai, who was fatally shot on June 19, 2024, during anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), heard testimonies from two former Officers Commanding Station (OCS). Masai's death sparked national outrage and intensified scrutiny over police operations during public demonstrations. Chief Inspector Moses Mutayi Shikuku, then OCS at Central Police Station, and Chief Inspector Robert Mugo Rono, former OCS of Kamukunji Police Station, appeared before Milimani Law Courts to account for their actions on the day Masai was killed.

Chief Inspector Shikuku, currently Deputy Police Commander for Juja Sub-County, testified that both uniformed and undercover police officers were deployed across major hot spots within the city, including Jeevanjee Gardens, Muindi Mbingu Street, University Way, Globe Roundabout, River Road, and Tom Mboya Monument. He confirmed that Police Constable Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri, an officer linked to the fatal shooting, was part of the undercover team. Shikuku stated he could not recall if two other officers, Geoffrey Kamau and Geoffrey Kigen, were deployed that day.

Shikuku further explained that while he had operational command, some plainclothes officers took instructions from more senior officials above his command, whose identities he declined to disclose, and certain decisions were issued from the regional police headquarters. Regarding the use of live ammunition, Shikuku said he could not confirm if live rounds were used, as he was in the field early and did not verify the arms register that day. He stated that, to his knowledge, no live ammunition was discharged by officers under his direct command. Court records indicated that 280 officers returned their firearms on June 20, with none reporting the use of live ammunition. Shikuku recounted being informed around 7 pm on June 19 by an Inspector Njeru from Ngara Police Station that someone, later identified as Masai, had been taken to Bliss Hospital with a serious leg injury and had subsequently died.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took over the matter, which was initially recorded as a case of “sudden death.” Shikuku’s testimony revealed some confusion regarding Masai’s injuries; he initially mentioned a wound to the neck but later clarified that the official report stated a leg injury. He defended the police response, asserting that demonstrators had turned violent and attacked officers.

Chief Inspector Robert Mugo Rono, now stationed in Githurai, testified about his deployment from Kamukunji Police Station. He stated that on June 18, 2024, during the protest period, he deployed about 60 officers to the lower CBD, none of whom carried firearms. These officers were equipped only with batons and teargas canisters and were instructed to protect businesses. Mugo claimed the individuals his officers encountered were not peaceful demonstrators but “criminals engaging in looting,” some of whom were armed. He asserted, “No killing under my jurisdiction in the lower CBD. No reports have been made about civilian injuries from our operations.”

Mugo acknowledged that Kamukunji police station had about 300 officers in total, but only a select group was under his operational control that day, and none had guns. He noted that three to four officers under his command sustained injuries, with one reportedly in serious condition. Mugo also highlighted a breakdown in operational coordination after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were deployed to assist with crowd control, stating, “We received direct orders from Madam Dorris, who instructed us to secure the lower CBD. After the KDF came in, there was no coordination.” He also admitted to being aware of reports that a vehicle from his station had been used to transport bodies from protest scenes, but he did not know the identities of the deceased. Isaiah Murangiri, the officer widely suspected of firing the fatal bullet, was attached to Kamukunji Police Station.

Rex Masai's death was described as being among the first in what escalated into months of youth-led protests against the Kenya Kwanza administration. Masai’s legal team, represented by lawyer Mwangi Chege, has maintained their commitment to pursuing justice and emphasized that security officers must be held accountable for any excessive use of force during protests.