Rex Masai Inquest: Pathologist Confirms Gunshot as Cause of Death

After several weeks of delays caused by his busy work schedule, Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, finally appeared in court to testify in the inquest into the death of Rex Kanyike Masai.

Appearing virtually as Prosecution Witness 27, Dr. Oduor presented findings from the autopsy he conducted on June 21, 2024, shedding new light on the circumstances surrounding Masai’s death.

Dr. Oduor told the court that Masai died from a gunshot wound sustained during the June 20 anti-Finance Bill protests.

“Rex Masai died from haemorrhage, excessive bleeding from one gunshot wound,” said Dr. Oduor.

He further detailed the injuries observed during the post-mortem, including the entry point and trajectory of the bullet.

“I found injuries as follows… There was an entry gunshot wound on the left thigh…” he said.

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Witness Cross-Examination Raises Questions

The proceedings also included the cross-examination of George Ndikas, a close friend of the deceased, who had testified in the previous session.

Lawyers representing the National Police Service (NPS) questioned inconsistencies in his account, particularly his claim that Masai was already limping at the time an individual believed to be a police officer was seen firing a weapon.

Courtroom Tension Over Witness Recall

Tension arose in court after lawyers for the NPS sought to recall a witness for further cross-examination, arguing that new issues had emerged following earlier testimony.

“When there was CCTV footage that was brought from ABSA, there was a question of who could authenticate those materials,” Counsel for NPS Alias Ouma stated.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed the move, accusing the defence of attempting to reopen matters already settled.

“They have seen the evidence that we’re relying on. They want to fill in the gaps they had left in cross-examination. And we vehemently oppose,” said prosecution officer Jalson Makori.

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Court Allows Recall of DCI Officer

Despite objections from the prosecution, the court allowed the defence to recall Tiberius Thomas Ekisa, an officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), for additional cross-examination.

Inquest Nears Conclusion

The inquest is set to resume next Wednesday, April 15, 2026 before Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo.

The prosecution is expected to present a key protected witness as the case moves closer to its conclusion.

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Images from the Nairobi CBD on June 20, 2024. Finance Bill protests. PHOTO/KN.