Ex-Kamukunji OCS denies role in Rex Maasai killing, says they faced criminals

During an ongoing inquest into the death of Rex Masai, former Kamukunji OCS Chief Inspector Robert Mugo distanced police officers from any involvement in civilian fatalities during the June 2024 protests sparked by the contentious Finance Bill.

Now based in Githurai, Mugo told the inquest that his team was deployed to manage security in Nairobi’s lower Central Business District between June 18 and 20, 2024, an area he described as a bustling commercial zone with supermarkets and small enterprises.

According to Mugo, those they encountered on the ground were not peaceful protesters but individuals involved in criminal activities, including looting.

"These were not demonstrators, they were criminals taking advantage of the chaos," he testified.

"Some were armed, others were not. As the OCS at Kamukunji, I deployed about 60 officers to the area. None of them carried firearms, only teargas and batons (rungus) were used," he added

Mugo clarified that out of the 300 officers under his command at Kamukunji, only a select team was deployed to the lower CBD and none were in plain clothes.

He maintained that officers assigned to the area were unarmed, noting that only those involved in other operations carried firearms.

"There were no killings in my area of command within the lower CBD, and no civilian injuries have been reported from our deployment," he stated.

However, Mugo acknowledged that between three and four officers were injured during the protests, with one sustaining serious injuries.

Mugo, together with other police officers who have testified, consistently insisted that the gatherings in their area were not peaceful protests but violent acts driven by criminals.

They emphasized that their response targeted looters who had entered the CBD, endangering public safety and property.

“There were no peaceful protests in the lower CBD. What we faced were criminals taking advantage of the situation,” Mugo stated.

He also pointed out the absence of proper coordination in operations once the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) became involved.

“We received direct orders from Madam Dorris to secure the lower CBD. However, once the KDF arrived, there was no coordination,” Mugo explained.

Regarding Rex Masai’s death, Mugo firmly denied any involvement by himself or his team.

“I was told that my vehicle transported two bodies to the mortuary, but I don’t know who they were. I have no knowledge that Rex Masai’s body was among them, nor do I know how he died,” he told the inquest.

The inquiry is ongoing, with further testimonies expected as the court works to uncover the truth behind the events of June 2024.