Former Central Police Commander Dorris Mugambi has told a Nairobi court that police officers in the city did not use live bullets during the Gen Z-led protests where 19-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai was fatally shot. Now serving as the Kiambu County Commander, Mugambi distanced the police from the killing, stressing that no officer should be held liable for the actions of another.
Appearing for the second time before the court, Mugambi was testifying in the ongoing inquest into Rex Masai’s death, which has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. She explained that none of the police stations under her former command, including Central, Kamukunji, Ngara, KICC, and Parliament, reported using live ammunition during the January 20 protests.
“There was no live ammunition used… that’s according to the reports from all the stations under Central,” she stated.
Mugambi told the court that no formal police deployment was made on the day of the demonstrations, which she described as spontaneous and unanticipated. She emphasized that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at each location had full authority over operational decisions, including deployment and incident reporting.
“If we can get proper deployment records from that day, then we can move forward,” she added, also raising the possibility that the fatal shot might not have been fired by police. “We don’t have a monopoly on firearms… unless it can be proven with certainty that a bullet came from an officer.”
When questioned about Isaiah Murangiri, the officer reportedly linked to the shooting but who has denied involvement, Mugambi responded that she does not know all junior officers personally. “Junior officers are not under my direct command,” she clarified.
The inquest, aimed at uncovering the full truth behind Masai’s killing, will continue on July 16, when 10 additional witnesses are expected to testify.
Meanwhile, Rex Masai’s family is urging the court to fast-track the case as they prepare to mark one year since his tragic death. The outcome of this inquest will likely play a critical role in shaping the conversation around protest rights, police conduct, and accountability in Kenya.
By Yockshard Enyendi
