Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a personal apology to the family of Rex Masai, who was fatally shot during anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi in June 2024. The apology was delivered by Prof. Makau Mutua, chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots, who visited Masai's mother at her home in Kayole on Thursday. This move is part of the government's efforts to address the concerns of victims of protests and riots.
The panel confirmed the visit, noting that it conveyed both the president's personal remorse and an official statement of regret from the government. Representatives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) accompanied the delegation. The outreach highlighted the critical need for justice, healing, national reconciliation, and the ongoing victim compensation process.
During the same outreach, the delegation also extended an apology to Nigel Oduor Otieno in Mathare, who sustained injuries during the 2023 cost-of-living demonstrations. The panel did not disclose whether Masai's family has received financial compensation under the government program. This move by the government is seen as a step towards addressing the concerns of victims of protests and riots.
Masai's death during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations quickly turned into a national symbol of the grave risks surrounding public demonstrations and the steep hurdles to holding law enforcement accountable for alleged abuses. His fatal shooting sparked widespread public outrage and energized calls across Kenya for systemic police reform.
Investigation efforts faced immediate hurdles, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions revealing a month after the incident that investigators could not identify the shooter because available CCTV footage lacked clarity. The prosecution appealed to the public for leads, but the absence of a prime suspect only heightened demands for answers.
A court recently concluded the formal inquest into Masai's death, which spanned two years. Prosecutors presented 30 witnesses and submitted 48 exhibits to the court. Following the close of oral evidence, the involved parties filed written submissions. Magistrate Onsarigo is reviewing the full record of evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, and CCTV footage.
The magistrate's final judicial determination on the circumstances surrounding Masai's death is awaited. The incident led to renewed calls for police reform and accountability in Kenya. Key points to note include:
Key points
- President William Ruto issued a personal apology to Rex Masai's family.
- The government is working on a compensation program for victims of protests and riots.
- An inquest into Masai's death was concluded, with a final determination pending.
