The inquest into the death of Rex Masai during anti-government protests has been extended following a Nairobi court ruling that allows the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to call extra witnesses.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo authorized the inclusion of six new witnesses from the NPS and two from IPOA, emphasizing the importance of their testimonies in clarifying the events surrounding Masai's death.
Expected witnesses include representatives from the Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (IC3), Absa Bank, Makau Casino, Bliss Hospital, and International Life House. The court also ordered officers from Kamukunji, Kilimani, Parliament, and KICC police stations to present arms movement registers and appear in court.
However, the court declined a request to recall witness Doris Mukiri Mugambi for a third time, citing concerns about potential abuse of court procedures and unnecessary delays.
Magistrate Onsarigo stressed that while uncovering the truth remains paramount, the inquest must proceed efficiently without undue postponements. He further stated that no further witness recalls would be entertained unless exceptional circumstances arise.
IPOA had opposed the additional witnesses application, arguing the inquest was already advanced and that the request could delay proceedings.
The inquest is scheduled for further directions on August 6, as the court prepares to hear the new testimonies before concluding the investigation.
