Family of Late Rex Maasai Faces Investigation Hurdles

The family of Rex Masai, a 29-year-old protester allegedly shot by police during anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations, faces delays in justice following the retraction of the only eyewitness's statement due to intimidation.

Gillian Munyao, Masai's mother, revealed at a Citizens Assembly on July 26 that the witness's withdrawal has stalled the investigation. Masai was fatally shot on June 20 outside Hilton Hotel, with claims that a rogue officer fired the fatal bullet.

Further complications arose when the family found that the bullet, initially lodged in Masai's thigh, was removed before the autopsy. Both government and family pathologists confirmed Masai died from excessive bleeding caused by the gunshot wound.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga stated that CCTV footage does not clearly identify the shooter. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has struggled to find witnesses, hindering the investigation into Masai’s death and other protest-related fatalities.