IPOA to investigate police shooting of anti-tax protester Rex Masai
What you need to know:
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched a probe into the fatal shooting of Rex Masai, during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
Amnesty International-Kenya has castigated police officers for using live bullets on protesters as evidenced by spent cartridges collected in the streets of Nairobi.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a probe into the fatal shooting of Rex Masai, allegedly by police, during Thursday, June 20, anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
In a statement on Friday, June 21, 2024, the Authority says it is also investigating several Injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers who were quelling the unrest.
“Accordingly, and in accordance with Section 7 of the IPOA Act, 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 incidents documented during the demonstrations,” said IPOA chairperson Anne Makori in the statement.
However, Ms Makori commended the largely youthful protesters (code-named Gen-Z) for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed.
She equally praised National Police Service officers for what she termed as “visible restraints, unlike the previous demonstrations.”
“But the Authority calls for continued restraint by the police and calls on members of the public to be peaceful and conduct themselves within the confines of the law,” she added.
IPOA condoled the family and friends of Mr Masai, civilians and police officers who were injured during the protest that also rocked close to 15 towns in Kenya.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International-Kenya has castigated police officers for using live bullets on protesters as evidenced by spent cartridges collected in the streets of Nairobi.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, Amnesty International, and its partners, also said 104 people were arrested in the protests that also took place in several major towns in Kenya.
“At least 35 people have been arrested across the counties while at least about 200 people were injured in Nairobi,” they stated, adding five people suffered injuries from rubber bullets.
“They include Nairobi (20), Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (70), and Nakuru (2).”
According to the statement, the injuries range from fractures, bullet wounds, soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas.
“Majority were treated on site and discharged while 50 who were severely injured in Nairobi were referred for further specialized treatment.”
Amnesty International also commended the protestors for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the demonstrations.
