Cop linked to Rex Masai shooting rejects viral photos tabled by IPOA
The main suspect in the killing of protester Rex Masai during the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 20, 2024, Isaiah Murangiri Ndumba, has denied being the man in the photos that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) claims identify him.
Using a projector on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, IPOA displayed photos in court captured during the protests, stating that it was him, citing the same face and wristband seen in the images.
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However, appearing before Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, officer Murangiri vehemently denied that he was the individual shown in the photos.
“I’m not the one in those photos. On June 18, 2024, I did not come to work as I had sought permission to attend to my sick child,” officer Murangiri told the court.
Further, Murangiri strongly denied that he was the person dressed in a blue shirt, black cap, blue trousers, black shoes, and holding a police walkie-talkie as shown in the photos.
While analyzing the images, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) lawyer David Mwangi pointed out a black birthmark visible beneath the left ear of the person in the photos—a mark Murangiri also denied having.
“So, now, this other part—please, I wish that everybody allows that we do it this way. Please face the court. Beneath your left ear, do you know of any spotting on your face? Please touch the bottom of it,” lawyer Mwangi asked Murangiri.
Mwangi then asked the court assistant to zoom in on the projected photos for comparison.
However, Murangiri maintained that he was not the person in the images and added that he was unaware of any birthmark on his face. This prompted the LSK lawyer, in his closing remarks, to suggest that he check in a mirror when he gets home to confirm.
Meanwhile, Mwangi also pointed to a wristband featuring Kenyan artwork that appeared in photos taken both on June 18 and June 20, 2025. The officer in the photos wore it on both days, but Murangiri insisted it was not him.
Notably, Murangiri informed the court that on June 20, 2025—the day Rex died—he did report to work but was stationed around the KICC grounds.
He also told the court that he was in civilian clothes that day, adding that all officers deployed in the Central Business District (CBD), whether in uniform or civilian attire, were briefed at KICC regarding the anticipated riots.
Additionally, he informed the court that a special squad from Alpha Mike had been deployed during the protests and had also reported to KICC for briefing before dispatch.
The squad, which he said he was part of, received instructions from the OCPD and not the OCS Central Police Station.
The inquest is scheduled to proceed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2 PM.
