Ex-Kamukunji OCS Robert Mugo says he deployed unarmed police to protests where Rex Masai was killed
“Some were armed, others were not. As OCS Kamukunji, I deployed about 60 officers to the area. None of them carried firearms—only tear gas and batons (rungus) were used.”
A former Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kamukunji Police Station, Chief Inspector Robert Mugo, has told a Nairobi court that police officers were not involved in any civilian deaths during the June 2024 protests sparked by the controversial Finance Bill.
Mugo, now stationed in Githurai, testified that between June 18 and 20, 2024, his unit was tasked with maintaining order in the lower Central Business District (CBD), a busy commercial area home to supermarkets and local traders.
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He was appearing before an inquest into the death of protester Rex Masai, who was fatally shot during the demonstrations last year.
“The individuals we encountered were not peaceful demonstrators but criminals engaged in looting,” Mugo told the court.
“Some were armed, others were not. As OCS Kamukunji, I deployed about 60 officers to the area. None of them carried firearms; only tear gas and batons (rungus) were used,” he stated.
Rex Kanyike Masai who was killed during the anti-government Gen Z protests in June 2024. Photo: File/X/BonifaceMwangi
Mugo emphasised that out of the 300 officers under his command at Kamukunji, only a specific group was deployed to the lower CBD, and none were in civilian attire.
He maintained that none of the officers deployed to that area were armed, and that those carrying firearms were engaged in other duties elsewhere.
“There was no killing under my jurisdiction in the lower CBD. No reports were made of any civilian injuries resulting from our operations,” he asserted.
Mugo, along with other police officers who have testified, consistently claimed that the demonstrations in their area were neither peaceful nor lawful.
They argued that they were not responding to legitimate protests, but rather to criminal activities that posed a threat to public safety and private property.
“There were no peaceful protests in the lower CBD; those were criminals taking advantage of the situation,” Mugo said.
He also highlighted a breakdown in operational coordination following the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
“We received direct orders from Madam Dorris to secure the lower CBD. However, after the KDF joined the response, there was no coordination,” he told the court.
On the issue of Rex Masai’s death, Mugo distanced both himself and his unit from any involvement.
“I was informed that my vehicle transported two bodies to the mortuary, but I do not know their identities. I am not aware whether Rex Masai’s body was among them, nor do I know the cause of his death,” he said.
The inquest continues, with more testimonies expected from witnesses and police officers.
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