Former Central Police Commander Dorris Mugambi has denied any police involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai during Gen Z-led demonstrations in Nairobi earlier this year.
Testifying before the court in an ongoing inquest into the teenager’s death, Mugambi — now the Kiambu County Police Commander — maintained that no police station within Nairobi’s jurisdiction deployed live ammunition on the day of the protests.
“There was no live ammunition used… from the report on all the stations under Central,” she told the court.
Mugambi also argued that each police station commander bore personal responsibility for the deployment and actions of their teams. She cited Central, Kamukunji, Ngara, KICC, and Parliament police stations as units whose officers operated independently.
“In terms of deployment, the OCSs are the ones responsible for decisions and reporting. No formal deployment was made on January 20th, as the protests were spontaneous and had not been anticipated,” she said.
She further challenged the assumption that the fatal bullet came from a police firearm, suggesting other possible sources.
“If we can have the right deployment of that day, we will be able to move forward… did we have any other person, maybe a licensed gun holder?” she asked.
“We don’t enjoy the monopoly of having firearms… not unless you tell me with certainty that this bullet came from an officer,” Mugambi added.
Responding to questions about Isaiah Murangiri — the officer publicly linked to the shooting — Mugambi said she could not confirm his identity or role in the incident.
“The junior officers are not under my command,” she stated.
The inquest, which is aimed at establishing the truth behind Masai’s death, has drawn national attention and fueled calls for police accountability.
Masai’s family has pleaded with the court to fast-track the proceedings, as they prepare to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.
The inquest is set to resume on July 16, with at least 10 more witnesses expected to testify.
