Activist Shakira Wafula calls for solidarity as Rex Masai’s birthday coincides with court hearing
By Charles Ouma, February 23, 2026Rex Masai, who was gunned down on June 20, 2024, amid protests in Nairobi and across the country, would be turning 31 years old tomorrow, February 24, 2026 had he been alive.
This year, the date coincides with a significant court hearing as the family and activists pursue justice.
Ahead of what would have been his 31st birthday, activist Shakira Wafula has called for solidarity as the pursuit for justice continues, with the court hearing at court 10 of the Milimani Magistrates Court on February 24, 2026, at 2:30 pm.
In a statement on her X account on Monday, February 23, 2026, the activist noted that almost two years since he was killed by a bullet, justice is yet to be served with calls to end police brutality in Kenya still making headlines.
Calls for solidarity
She urged people to show up in court as a show of solidarity with the family and in honour of the youthful Kenyan who became the first of many casualties during the protests that rocked the country in 2024.
“Tomorrow should have been Rex’s 31st birthday. Almost two years since he was killed, justice is yet to be served. Let’s show up in solidarity #JusticeForRexMasai #EndPoliceBrutalityKe #RutoMustGo,” she stated.
Other activists also called for a similar show of solidarity with the family.
“May we remember to stand in solidarity with Rex Masai, tomorrow, February 24, 2026, at the Milimani Magistrates Court, Court 10, as from 2 pm. #JusticeForRexMasai #EndPoliceBrutalityKe #RutoMustGo,” noted @_James041.
Rex Masai’s death
Masai was felled by the bullet in the Nairobi Central Business District while heading home from work on a day that saw Kenyans take to the streets to protest against the Finance Bill 2024, along with other demands that they wanted President William Ruto’s administration to address.
The deceased’s mother, Jillian Munyau, clarified that her late son was not part of the protesters and had just arrived in town from work when he was shot.
His death saw focus shift to police brutality, with many other deaths linked to officers of the law making their way to court.
The death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang is among those in the corridors of justice.