The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has submitted compelling evidence implicating police officer Isaiah Murangiri in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old protester Rex Masai. During a tense court session on Wednesday, IPOA presented photographic, video, and phone data placing Murangiri at the scene, directly contradicting his sworn testimony.

Murangiri has maintained that he was not present during the June 18, 2024, protests and claimed to have been stationed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on that day. However, the evidence presented by IPOA — including images of an officer firing tear gas canisters at peaceful demonstrators and a close-up that appeared to reveal Murangiri’s distinctive facial birthmark — told a different story.

Despite repeated confrontations with visual comparisons, Murangiri denied being the officer captured on camera. In one instance, when asked about an identifying birthmark shown in a zoomed-in photo, he simply stated, “It is not me.”

IPOA’s forensic lead, Paul Njihia, confirmed that the pathologist’s report established Rex Masai was killed by a live bullet — further heightening the gravity of the case. Additionally, IPOA introduced phone records and visual evidence intended to disprove Murangiri’s claim that he was stationed elsewhere.

Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo has since ordered Corporal Martin Githinji, Constable Simon Waweru, and Constable Geoffrey Mbae — all based at Central Police Station — to present themselves for questioning. He also instructed that the original arms register be handed over to investigators to assist in the ongoing probe.

This case, which has sparked national outrage and intensified demands for police accountability, is now entering a critical phase as IPOA continues its efforts to ensure justice for Rex Masai.