Key witness who was with Rex Masai when he was shot during anti-government protests in Nairobi has not come forward to record a statement, this is according to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.

In a statement seen by TV47 Digital, DPP Ingonga says that even the people who took Rex to hospital on the fateful day have not come forward to record their statements, hampering his office’s investigations.

The CCTV footage showing the shooting of Rex, the DPP argues, does not clearly identify the person who pulled the trigger.

“I call upon any person with information pertaining to this case especially the witnesses who took the deceased to hospital and those who witnessed the shooting to come forward and record a statement with IPOA,” DPP Ingonga urges.

Four files from IPOA

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), on June 19 2024, received four files and accompanying reports from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) related to deaths and injuries during protests across various parts of the country.

The same case applies for Evans Kiratu Karobia, who died while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Investigations show that the cause of death was identified as multiple organ injuries due to blunt force trauma, with DPP Ingonga ruing that no person has recorded any statement regarding the incident of the deceased being assaulted.

The DPP has since directed IPOA that the matter “be placed before a competent court for a public inquest.”

“I call upon the public or any other person with information pertaining to this case to come forward and record a statement with IPOA. This will enable the state ascertain the cause of the injuries noted in the post mortem report.”

Police accused

With regards to injury to Dominic Wanjala Mutua, the DPP says the main suspect has denied firing a teargas cannister at the victim.

Accordingly, the DPP directed that further investigations be conducted to authenticate the video and a report submitted by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) showing the alleged incident. “In addition, I have also directed that a report from the ballistic examiner be availed.”

DPP Ingonga also said that he will review the case on the shooting of Gianna Markel Obonyo and make further directions once investigations conclude.

Obonyo, on 25th June 2024, suffered a gunshot wound at the lower back while riding a bicycle in her parents’ compound.

She was admitted at KNH and underwent surgery to remove the bullet.

“To date the investigations carried out so far have not found any person culpable and I call upon the public or any person with information pertaining to this case to come forward and record a statement with IPOA. My office undertakes to work with other government agencies to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.”