Nairobi News

GeneralHashtagLifeMust ReadNewsWhat's Hot

IPOA appeals to Kenyans to come forward with information on Rex Masai fatal shooting


The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has appealed to Kenyans who might have witnessed the fatal shooting of protester Rex Kanyeki Masai on June 20, 2024, to come forward with information that will assist it in investigations.

The authority launched its investigations into the matter last month and was given 21 days by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate the shooting which took place during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protest.

“IPOA is once again calling upon anyone who witnessed the fatal shooting of Mr. Rex Masai on 20th June 2024, to come forth and volunteer information to advance its investigations,” it said in a statement.

“This information will help to not only bring closure to the family and friends but also contribute to police accountability.”

Rex Masai was fatally shot on his way home during protests against the Finance Bill along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.

He was allegedly shot by a plainclothes policeman at around 7pm. Aerial footage captured the incident as protesters, who had been pushed from Kenyatta Avenue and City Hall Way, regrouped outside a club on Moi Avenue.

Speaking to Nairobi News, Gillian Munyao, Rex’s mother, revealed that reports from both the government and the family’s pathologists indicated that Rex had sustained a fatal wound to his thigh, resulting in significant blood loss.

“One of the police shot him in the left thigh, and his friend tried to take him to the nearest hospital, Bliss, but unfortunately he died before reaching there,” she said.

In a statement on Friday, June 21, 2024, the Authority revealed that it was 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.

Masai was laid to rest on July 5 in Kamuthanga, Machakos County. He was 29.