Rex Masai
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Rex Kanyike Masai (1994–2024)
Early Life
Rex Masai was born in 1994 and grew up in Nairobi. After studying architecture, he worked at a local casino to support his family. Loved by those close to him, he was described as calm, thoughtful, and a dedicated provider to his parents, Gillian Munyao and Chrispine Odawa.[1]
Death During Protests
On **June 20, 2024**, during anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi’s CBD, Rex was shot in the left thigh allegedly by police using live ammunition. He bled to death before arriving at the hospital.[2][3]
Burial
Rex was laid to rest on **July 5, 2024**, at Kamuthanga in Machakos County. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was carried by family, friends [4]
Family’s Grief and Quest for Justice
His mother, Gillian Munyao, said:
> “The gap my son has left will never be filled… let the policeman be humane during the protests.”[5][6]
His father, Chrispine Odawa, added:
> “My prayer is that the policeman who did this to my son will be arrested. Let justice be done.”[7]
Concerns of witness intimidation and missing bullet evidence were raised by the family.[8]
Legal Status & Proceedings
- **IPOA Investigation**: Opened a probe into Rex's shooting, urging police restraint.[9][10]
- **DPP Statement**: Identified the killer bullet but cited lack of clear CCTV and witnesses.[11]
- **LSK Lawsuit**: The Law Society sued a police officer and sought protections against plainclothes policing following Rex's death.[12]
- **Ex-OCS Testimony**: In March 2025, a senior officer testified no live rounds were fired by his team that night.[13]
Aftermath and Public Reaction
- **#TotalShutdown**: Gen Z protesters launched a one-week campaign starting June 21, 2024.[14]
- **Human Rights Concerns**: Amnesty International and IPOA flagged excessive force evidence and spent cartridges.[15][16]
Timeline Summary
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 Jun 2024 | Rex shot in thigh during protests |
| 21 Jun 2024 | Post‑mortem confirms excessive bleeding; probe launched |
| 26 Jun 2024 | #TotalShutdown campaign begins |
| 5 Jul 2024 | Burial at Kamuthanga, led by public figures |
| 26 Jul 2024 | Family alleges witness intimidation & evidence tampering |
| 13 Mar 2025 | Inquest reveals officer testimony on live rounds |
Tribute
⚠️ To Rex Masai,
You marched with nothing but a flag, a phone, and the courage to dream of a better Kenya.
You stood unarmed, unshaken, and unafraid — not for yourself, but for all of us.
They tried to silence you with a bullet, but your name echoes louder in our hearts than their guns ever could.
You are not just a victim — you are a symbol.
We march now with your memory on our backs, with justice in our chants, and with hope in our hearts.
Rex, your blood watered the tree of freedom. We will not let it die in vain.
We will never forget you brother. ✊🏾🖤
References
- ↑ Nation – What went wrong?
- ↑ BBC – Anger after protester shot dead
- ↑ Excessive bleeding confirmed – Daily Nation
- ↑ Nation – Family demands justice
- ↑ Nation – Family demands justice
- ↑ Excessive bleeding confirmed – Daily Nation
- ↑ Nation – Family demands justice
- ↑ Kenyans.co.ke – Cover-up alleged
- ↑ IPOA launches probe – Nation
- ↑ CNN – Police under investigation
- ↑ Kenyans.co.ke – DPP on missing evidence
- ↑ LSK sues – Daily Nation
- ↑ The Star – Inquest testimony
- ↑ Nation – Family demands justice
- ↑ Nation – Use of live rounds
- ↑ IPOA launches probe – Nation