Rex Masai death inquest closed by Kenyan prosecutors

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has closed its inquest into the death of Rex Masai, a 29-year-old protester shot during the anti-finance bill demonstrations in Nairobi on June 20, 2024.

During proceedings before Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jalson Makori stated that the prosecution had called 30 witnesses and presented 48 exhibits. The case will now move to written submissions before a final determination is made.

A key moment in the inquest involved forensic expert Joshua Mutua, who testified that video footage from the day of the incident was internally consistent and showed no signs of technical or intentional alteration, such as splicing or deletion. Additionally, a photojournalist testified to seeing similarities between photographs taken during the protests and the appearance of a civilian police officer believed to be a suspect in the killing.