Silverio Omari
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has urged anyone who witnessed the fatal shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai to come forward with their accounts. Masai, 29, was shot by police officers during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations on June 20 and was laid to rest on July 5 amid public outcry.
IPOA, which has already initiated investigations into Masai’s death, emphasized that witness testimonies are crucial for holding the responsible police officers accountable and providing the family with closure. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed IPOA on June 21 to investigate the killing and submit a report within 21 days.
In a statement, IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori mentioned that the agency had been monitoring police conduct since the protests began on Tuesday, June 18. She acknowledged that both protesters and police officers largely exercised restraint but pointed out specific incidents, including Masai’s case and injuries to other protesters, urging the police to maintain restraint.
Amidst these events, Kenyans are demanding thorough investigations into the deaths of protesters across the nation during the anti-government demonstrations. The government reports that 25 people have been killed and 400 injured, whereas the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) claims at least 43 people were killed and over 600 injured during the protests.
Dj Vnyash
