The National Police Service (NPS) is on the spotlight as the civilian oversight body against police officers, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launch probe into the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai yesterday evening during anti-tax protests along Moi Avenue within the Nairobi Central Business District.
Although the shooter is said to have been donning in civilian outfit, it is not yet clear if it is a police officer or not.
However, there are claims he is a law enforcement agent.
The police are also investigating the circumstances under which Rex was shot to the leg.
One of the exhbits police are relying on is an aerial footage captured the incident as protesters, pushed from Kenyatta Avenue and City Hall Way, regrouped outside a club on Moi Avenue.
Witnesses reported the officer firing into the crowd, injuring Rex in the leg.
Despite efforts to save him at Bliss Hospital Moi Avenue, he succumbed to his wounds.
His distraught parents and fellow protesters gathered at the mortuary, mourning his loss.
The incident occurred amidst protests in urban areas nationwide, with demonstrators vowing further action.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori, while condoling with the family of the deceased, highlighted that the state agency had been monitoring police conduct since the onset of the protests on Tuesday this week.
Makori further expressed that during the demonstrations, both protestors and police largely showed restraint. She however highlighted specific incidents such as the case of Masai and injuries sustained by other protesters during the demonstrations.
“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.” Makori said.
“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. 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.” She added.
Additionally, Makori called for continued restraint by Police and members of the public participating in the demos.
“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.” Makori added.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome cautioned against disrupting parliamentary proceedings, ensuring the right to protest while protecting critical infrastructure.
The ‘Occupy Parliament’ movement intensified following amendments to the Finance Bill, addressing contentious tax proposals, including removing the proposed 16 per cent VAT on essential items.
President William Ruto affirmed that protests would not hinder institutional decision-making, as the Bill advanced through Parliament, setting the stage for further debate and potential amendments next week.