The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a protestor, Rex Masai, during the mass demonstrations against the proposed Finance Bill, 2024.

In a statement on June 21, the authority revealed that it had established contact with Masai’s family and is investigating all serious injury incidents documented during the protests.

“The Authority has this morning launched investigations into the fatal shooting and our investigation team has since established contact with the family of Mr. Masai. all the serious injury incidents documented during the demonstrations,” said IPOA.

According to the Authority, the investigation was prompted by Section 6 (c) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, which requires it to monitor and investigate all policing operations affecting members of the public.

Following the incident, IPOA expressed its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rex Masai as well as all others who were affected by the unfortunate event.

“IPOA further wishes quick recovery to all persons who were injured,” read the statement.

IPOA Commends Protestors for Peaceful Protests

Similarly, the authority also commended protestors for carrying out the protests in a peaceful manner while unarmed and equally commended the police for showing restraint unlike the previous demonstrations.

Also Read: Rex Masais Mother Breaks Silence Over Death of Son

“The Authority commends the protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed and equally commend the National Police Service’s visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations.”

IPOA however, noted that it had documented several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators, including police officers.

Due to this Authority emphasized the importance of police restraint and called on members of the public to conduct themselves within the confines of the law.

The Authority has also highlighted the conditions under which police officers are allowed to use force, including the requirement to attempt non-violent means first, use proportional force, and provide medical assistance immediately if injuries occur.

News of Rex Masai Death

Reports of the shooting were first announced on social media with the wide circulation of video footage showing protestors running away from police officers in Nairobi CBD.

The footage also showed a plain clothed officer indiscriminately fired shots at them, it was then that the protestor identified as Rex Masai was shot.

Rex was then rushed to a nearby hospital by other protestors He was however confirmed dead-on arrival. 

Following the incident, screengrab images of the officer has been circulated online as angry Kenyans call for his identification and arrest.

Boniface Mwangi announced the death of the protestor, indicating that his family had been contacted and were numb from the loss.

Also Read: Video Reveals Last Moments of Rex Masai, Shot in CBD

Mwangi said that the lifeless body of the protestor had been moved to City mortuary, where the parents had been called to identify it. 

“I’m sharing pictures of 24-year-old Rex Kanyike lying in the morgue with consent from his parents, Chrispin Odawa, and Gillian Munyao who are standing over his body at the City mortuary.

“He was killed by the police this evening. They’re shocked and numb from the loss of their son,” said Mwangi. 

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