Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor has testified that Rex Kanyike Masai died from a gunshot wound sustained during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Pathologist Takes the Stand
After weeks of adjournments due to his demanding schedule, Dr. Oduor on Wednesday appeared virtually as a prosecution witness in the ongoing inquest.
Testifying as Prosecution Witness 27, he walked the court through the autopsy he conducted on Masai’s body on June 21, 2024.
Cause of Death Confirmed
Dr. Oduor told the court that Masai died from haemorrhage caused by a single gunshot wound.
“Rex Masai died from excessive bleeding from one gunshot wound,” he stated.
He further detailed the injuries, noting that the bullet entered through the left thigh and followed a trajectory that proved fatal.
Witness Cross-Examination
The proceedings also included the cross-examination of Masai’s close friend, George Ndikas, who had testified earlier.
Lawyers representing the National Police Service sought to challenge inconsistencies in his account, particularly regarding claims that Masai was already limping at the time a suspected police officer discharged a firearm.
Legal Standoff in Court
Tensions rose during the hearing when defence lawyers applied to recall a witness for further cross-examination, arguing that new issues had emerged.
The prosecution opposed the move, accusing the defence of attempting to fill gaps in their earlier questioning and delay proceedings.
However, the court allowed the recall of Tiberius Thomas Ekisa, an officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, for additional cross-examination.
Inquest Nears Conclusion
The inquest is set to resume next Wednesday before Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo.
The prosecution is expected to present a key protected witness as the case moves closer to its conclusion.
