5 days ago
165
- Despite photographic, video and phone records placing him near the scene, Officer Murangiri doggedly denied that he was the man captured on camera.
- Murangiri, who previously testified that he was off duty during protests on the 18th of June — two days before Rex Masai was shot — denied that the one captured was him.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Wednesday presented evidence that placed the main suspect in the killing of Rex Masai, police officer Isaiah Murangiri, near the scene of the crime.
However, despite photographic, video and phone records placing him near the scene, Officer Murangiri doggedly denied that he was the man captured on camera.
Murangiri, who previously testified that he was off duty during protests on the 18th of June — two days before Rex Masai was shot — denied that the one captured was him.
Examiner: “Please go to the next picture… you're still not the
one?”
Murangiri: “I'm not the one.”
Examiner: “Next picture… still not you?” (A file of Murangiri firing tear gas
canister at compliant protesters on June 18th, 2024)
Examiner: “What is that the individual is holding?”
Murangiri: “I think that is a tear gas launcher.”
Murangiri did not change his tune even after comparisons to a birthmark on his face were made.
Examiner: “Please zoom in on the picture. Do you see that mark
on the face there? Do you see that mark when you look in the mirror?”
Examiner: “Please turn and show the court…”
Murangiri: “It is not me.”
Photographic evidence and phone data were also presented, seeking to disprove Murangiri's earlier assertions that he was stationed at KICC on the day of Rex Masai's fatal shooting.
Examiner: “Although you say that it is not you, this person
that bears a resemblance to you — why would you lie to this court that you were
at KICC?”
Murangiri: “Your honour, I'm saying the truth. I'm not lying to this court.”
Examiner: “Zoom in. Do you see the African art on the wrist? Is this not the same African art in this image?”
Presiding Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo directed Corporal Martin Githinji, Constable Simon Waweru and Constable Geoffrey Mbae — all from Central Police Station — to avail themselves to IPOA.
He also directed that the original arms register be supplied to the investigation team.
“The pathologist's report showed that Rex was killed by a live bullet,” stated Assistant Director, Forensics at IPOA, Paul Njihia.
©Citizen Digital, Kenya
