The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has revealed that the person responsible for the death of Rex Kanyeki Masai remains unidentified. Director of Public Prosecutions Renson M. Ingonga stated that CCTV footage of the incident “does not clearly identify the person who pulled the trigger.”
The ODPP’s statement, released on July 23, 2024, provides insights into four cases currently under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). These cases highlight the challenges facing Kenyan authorities in their efforts to address alleged police misconduct and maintain public trust.
In the case of Rex Kanyeki Masai, Mr. Ingonga called for public assistance, stating, “I call upon any person with information pertaining to this case, especially the witnesses who took the deceased to hospital and those who witnessed the shooting, to come forward and record a statement with IPOA.”
The update also covered three other cases:
1. The injury of Dominic Wanjala Mutua, where the ODPP has directed further investigations to authenticate video evidence and obtain a ballistics report.
2. The death of Evans Kiratu Karobia, which the ODPP has directed to be placed before a competent court for a public inquest.
3. The shooting of Gianna Markel Obonyo, a child who suffered a gunshot wound while in her parents’ compound. The ODPP is awaiting a ballistics report before making further directions.
Mr. Ingonga emphasized the ODPP’s commitment to addressing police misconduct, noting, “My office is currently working on a number of active cases involving nineteen (19) police officers in Nairobi, including one who has been charged with murder.”
The statement also highlighted several successful prosecutions against police officers, including the conviction of an Officer Commanding Station for murder and the sentencing of four individuals for the high-profile murder of lawyer Willie Kimani and two others.
In a bid to maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations, Mr. Ingonga urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online. “To enable my office hold suspects accountable, I urge members of the public to avoid disinformation and mis-information through re-tweets and re-posts of unverified information and data,” he said.
