We faced criminals, not protesters; Ex-Kamukunji police on Rex Maasai murder
We faced criminals, not protesters; Ex-Kamukunji police on Rex Maasai murder
A former Kamukunji Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Chief Inspector Robert Mugo, denied that police officers were involved in any civilian deaths during the June 2024 protests triggered by the controversial Finance Bill.
Now stationed in Githurai, Mugo 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 hub housing supermarkets and local businesses.
“The individuals we encountered were not peaceful demonstrators but criminals engaging in looting,” Mugo stated.
“Some were armed, others were not. As the OCS at Kamukunji, I deployed about 60 officers to the area. None of them carried firearms—only teargas and batons (rungus) were used,” he added.
Mugo emphasized that out of the 300 officers under his command at Kamukunji, only a specific group was assigned to the lower CBD, and none were in civilian clothing.
He reiterated that none of the officers deployed to the area were armed, and those with firearms were engaged in different duties elsewhere.
“There was no killing under my jurisdiction in the lower CBD. No reports have been made about civilian injuries from our operations,” Mugo asserted.
However, he did confirm that 3 to 4 officers sustained injuries during the unrest, with one in serious condition.
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Mugo, along with other police officers who have testified, consistently maintained that the demonstrations in their area were not peaceful, but rather violent and criminal in nature.
They said they were not responding to protesters but to looters who had infiltrated the CBD, threatening public safety and property.
“There were no peaceful protests in the lower CBD. Those were criminals exploiting the situation,” Mugo said.
The officer also noted a lack of operational coordination once the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) joined the response.
“We received direct orders from Madam Dorris, who instructed us to secure the lower CBD. After the KDF came in, there was no coordination,” he said.
On the matter of Rex Masai’s death, Mugo distanced himself and his unit from any involvement.
“I was informed that my vehicle transported two bodies to the mortuary, but I do not know the identities. I am not aware that Rex Masai’s body was among them, nor do I know the cause of his death,” he told the inquest.
The inquest continues, with more testimonies expected from and witnesses as court seeks to uncover the truth surrounding the events of June 2024.
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