By Peter Ochieng
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has swung into action, hours after the fatal shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai by a police officer, during Thursday’s anti-Finance Bill, 2024 protests.
Rex was allegedly shot in the knee outside Hilton Hotel along Nairobi’s Moi Avenue, as he was dashing home around 7pm.
Anne Makori, IPOA chairperson in a statement shared a message of condolence with his family.
“The Authority condoles with the family of Mr. Masai, friends and all Kenyans affected by the unfortunate event. IPOA further wishes quick recovery to all persons who were injured. IPOA remains committed to independence, impartiality, fairness and unbiased In all Its operations.”
The protests which started on Tuesday before reaching fever-pitch on Thursday across the country, were largely peaceful. However, police used teargas to disperse crowds, attracting widespread backlash.
Makori commended protestors for largely demonstrating in peace, while applauding police for exercising restraint whenever they were seemingly pushed against the wall, by the young and energetic demonstrators.
“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.”
“However, the Authority has documented the death of Mr. Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” she added.
“Accordingly, 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.”
Activist Boniface Mwangi visited the City morgue and shared photos of Rex’s body, receiving backlash and support in equal measure on social media.
In his defence, he said he had the express permission from the late Rex’s parents to share the photos.
“I’m sharing pictures of 24-year-old Rex Kanyike lying the in 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. They’re shocked and numb from the loss of their son.”
The 24-year-old’s is the first incidence of death since anti-finance bill protests started on Tuesday.
On the first day of the protests, a police officer lost both his fore arms when a teargas canister exploded on his hands.