A collage of Rex Masai and police officers in action during a protest/FILE
The Milimani Law Courts have set September 1 and 8, 2025, as the next hearing dates in the case involving the killing of protester Rex Masai.
Masai was fatally shot during demonstrations against the Finance Bill in June 2024.
The new dates were confirmed on Tuesday, July 29, following the testimony of a protected witness linked to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa).
The witness appeared virtually from Ipoa offices under strict security measures, including a concealed identity and distorted voice.
Known only by the initials "GG," the witness connected a plainclothes police officer to the fatal shooting, providing visual evidence gathered during the protests held in Nairobi on June 18 and 20, 2024.
The prosecution had requested that the testimony be given remotely from the Ipoa offices. However, this move was opposed by the National Police Service, which pushed for an in-camera session with one of their lawyers present.
The witness’s legal team objected, citing safety concerns, while the Law Society of Kenya supported full anonymity for protected witnesses.
A photo of an officer taken on June 20, 2024, along Uhuru Highway.After reviewing submissions from all sides, Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo ruled in favor of the prosecution, allowing the testimony to proceed virtually.
During the session, the witness described being on a photography assignment near Holy Family Basilica on June 18, when uniformed and plainclothes officers began dispersing peaceful protestors with teargas.
Among them was an officer in civilian clothes, carrying a tear gas launcher and a mobile phone, who was later seen arresting a journalist.
The same officer, the witness said, reappeared on June 20 near the Intercontinental Hotel along Uhuru Highway. He was again in civilian clothing, assisting other officers in removing stones from the road.
The officer was identified visually by a distinctive birthmark, a walkie-talkie, a blue phone, and consistent clothing worn across the two days.
The court was shown images and footage taken during the protests, which the witness confirmed matched the officer's appearance. He was alleged to be Isaiah Murangiri.
The witness explained that they had focused on the officer due to his repeated aggressive actions, including firing a teargas canister at a journalist before entering a police vehicle outside the Supreme Court.
“It wasn’t familiarity; it was his repeated behavior and appearance at critical moments that drew my focus. He stood out because of how aggressive he was; that’s why I kept my lens on him,” the witness told the court.
An exhibit photo taken during the June 18, 2024, protests.
The witness also described the protests as peaceful, with demonstrators chanting “Reject Finance Bill.”
They reported no presence of criminal gangs and said only plainclothes officers were seen using force and making arrests.
The prosecution, represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), argued that revealing the witness’s identity would put their life at risk due to the nature of the testimony.
Ipoa official Stella Cherono confirmed to the court that the witness was present and ready to proceed from the IPOA offices.
With the protected testimony now on record, the court will resume proceedings on the two scheduled dates, with more witnesses expected to testify.
