Former Kamukunji Police Station boss, Chief Inspector Robert Mugo, told a Nairobi court that police officers under his command were not involved in any civilian deaths during the June 2024 protests against the controversial Finance Bill.
Now stationed in Githurai, Mugo said his unit was deployed to restore order in Nairobi’s lower Central Business District (CBD) between June 18 and 20. The area, known for its heavy commercial activity, became one of the hotspots for demonstrations that swept across the country.
Mugo was testifying at an inquest probing the fatal shooting of protester Rex Masai, who lost his life during the chaos.
“The individuals we encountered were not peaceful demonstrators but criminals engaged in looting,” Mugo told the court.
“Some were armed, others were not. As OCS Kamukunji, I deployed about 60 officers to the area. None of them carried firearms; only tear gas and rungus (batons) were used,” he testified.
Mugo clarified that, out of the 300 officers under his command at the time, only a select group was assigned to patrol the lower CBD. None of them were in plain clothes, and none carried guns, he insisted. Officers who were armed had been sent to different locations for separate duties.
“There was no killing under my jurisdiction in the lower CBD. No reports were made of any civilian injuries resulting from our operations,” he told the court.
“June 2024 Protests Were Criminal, Not Peaceful”
Mugo, like several other police officers who have already testified in the inquest, maintained that the protests in his area were far from peaceful. He claimed the demonstrations quickly morphed into lawlessness, with acts of vandalism and threats to public safety.
“There were no peaceful protests in the lower CBD; those were criminals taking advantage of the situation,” he emphasized.
Mugo also pointed out that operational coordination fell apart once the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) joined the scene.
“We received direct orders from Madam Dorris to secure the lower CBD. However, after the KDF joined the response, there was no coordination,” he said, highlighting a key breakdown in security command.
Regarding Rex Masai’s death, Mugo distanced his team from any wrongdoing.
“I was informed that my vehicle transported two bodies to the mortuary, but I do not know their identities. I am not aware whether Rex Masai’s body was among them, nor do I know the cause of his death,” he said.
The inquest continues as more police officers and potential civilian witnesses prepare to testify. The proceedings aim to uncover the truth and ensure accountability over the tragic events that unfolded during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests.
