Jun 21, 2024, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
IPOA Launches Investigation into Police Shooting of Protestor in Nairobi
In a recent and tragic turn of events, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated a thorough investigation into the shooting death of Rex Kanyike Masai, a 29-year-old protestor. Masai was allegedly shot by police during a mass protest against the contentious Finance Bill 2024. This incident occurred on Thursday, June 20, along Moi Avenue in Nairobi. IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori has confirmed that the Authority has already taken steps to contact Masai's family to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The protest attracted significant attention as thousands of citizens gathered to express their discontent over the proposed bill. Demonstrations, initially peaceful, turned tragic with the reported shooting of Masai. According to witness accounts and an aerial video capturing the scene, the incident took place around 7 pm, when protestors, who had been pushed back by the police from other areas, congregated along Moi Avenue.
Details of the Incident
Accounts from the ground paint a chaotic scene where frustrations boiled over into violence. Protestors, mostly unarmed, were met with force in an attempt by the police to disperse them. In the melee, Masai was among the unlucky few who found themselves at the epicenter of police action. The video footage shows Masai being shot amidst the crowd, sowing panic among other demonstrators.
IPOA, in its preliminary findings, has documented not only Masai’s death but also numerous cases of serious injuries sustained by both demonstrators and police officers on the scene. While specifics regarding the exact sequence of events leading to Masai’s death remain unclear, the aerial video has provided a critical piece of evidence in understanding the circumstances under which the shooting occurred.
Protestor and Police Response
Despite this tragic incident, the IPOA commended the majority of protestors for maintaining a peaceful stance throughout the demonstration, emphasizing their unarmed status. The IPOA also praised the National Police Service for exhibiting restraint prior to the violent outburst. Such commendation underscores the delicate balance required in managing civil unrest and the importance of peaceful protest.
During the protest, over 300 unarmed protestors were arrested, reflecting the scale and intensity of the police’s reaction. Most of those arrested have since been released, although the ordeal has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the involved individuals and their families.
IPOA's Call for Continued Restraint
In light of these events, IPOA has called for continued restraint by the police force. This appeal aims to prevent further violence and ensure that future demonstrations can proceed in a peaceful and lawful manner. By urging the public to remain calm and law-abiding, IPOA highlights the need for a collective effort in maintaining peace.
Anne Makori emphasized that investigations into such incidents are crucial not only for ensuring justice for victims like Rex Kanyike Masai but also for fostering accountability within the police force. The outcomes of these investigations are hoped to provide insights that could prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Path Forward
The death of Rex Kanyike Masai has sparked a broader discussion about police conduct during public demonstrations in Kenya. It has shed light on the existing tensions between law enforcement and citizens, particularly when controversial policies prompt large-scale protests. The incident has also raised questions about the protocols and training provided to police officers in handling peaceful protests.
Protestors and civil rights groups continue to demand justice for Masai and others affected by the violence. Calls for thorough investigations and reforms in police operations have grown louder, signaling a pressing need for systemic change. IPOA’s role in this context becomes even more vital, serving as a watchdog and an agent for accountability.
As the investigation proceeds, the hopes of Masai's family and the protestors are pinned on a transparent process that holds those responsible accountable. They also hope for reforms that would protect citizens' rights to peaceful protest, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur.
The tragic death of Rex Kanyike Masai serves as a somber reminder of the cost of civic engagement and the imperative for fair and just oversight. It underscores the significance of institutions like IPOA in safeguarding democratic principles and human rights.
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Comments
cimberleigh pheasey
This is heartbreaking. I can't believe we're still seeing this kind of violence against peaceful protestors. People just want their voices heard, not shot in the streets. RIP Rex Kanyike Masai.
June 22, 2024 AT 06:15
Tom Gin
Oh wow, another 'peaceful protest turned tragic' story. Next they'll say the cops were just 'exercising restraint' before they fired live rounds into a crowd. I'm starting to think the script writes itself: protest → chaos → dead guy → IPOA 'investigates' → nothing happens. 🙄
June 22, 2024 AT 10:54
Chris Schill
The structural issues here go deeper than just one shooting. Police training in Kenya, like in many places, still leans on militarized crowd control rather than de-escalation. Without systemic reform-budget reallocation, independent oversight with teeth, and mandatory psychological evaluations for officers-these tragedies will keep happening. This isn't just about one man; it's about a pattern.
June 22, 2024 AT 18:15
Danica Tamura
Wow. Just... wow. Another 'unarmed protestor' killed by cops. And yet the same people who scream 'defund the police' when it's America are suddenly silent when it's Kenya? Hypocrisy much? 🤡
June 22, 2024 AT 20:26
Katelyn Tamilio
Sending so much love and light to Rex's family and everyone affected 💔🫂 This is why we need more community-led safety initiatives-not more militarized police. We can do better.
June 23, 2024 AT 15:55
Aileen Amor
This is UNACCEPTABLE!!! Why is this still happening?!?!?! People are dying for demanding transparency!!! The system is BROKEN!!! We need CHANGE NOW!!!
June 24, 2024 AT 14:14
Michael Klamm
man this is wild. cops just shootin ppl for protestin? like wtf. they got no chill lmao
June 24, 2024 AT 16:35
William H
Let’s be real-this was orchestrated. The Finance Bill was never the real issue. The protest was a distraction. The police were provoked. The video? Edited. The family? Paid off. IPOA? A puppet. The West just loves a good African tragedy to feel morally superior while ignoring their own police brutality. This isn’t chaos-it’s a script.
June 25, 2024 AT 11:23
Shirley Kaufman
I know this might sound naive, but I truly believe transparency is the first step. If IPOA releases body cam footage, witness statements, and autopsy reports in real time-no delays, no redactions-people will start to trust the process again. It’s not about blaming individuals; it’s about rebuilding systems. We’ve seen this work elsewhere. It can work here too. 💪
June 25, 2024 AT 21:10
christian lassen
idk man i saw the vid it looked like he just kinda walked into the line of fire? maybe he was tryna grab a baton? idk just sayin
June 26, 2024 AT 07:41
Alex Alevy
I’ve worked with police reform teams in Latin America and Africa. The key isn’t just more oversight-it’s training. Officers need to learn how to read crowd dynamics, how to use non-lethal tools effectively, and how to communicate under pressure. Most of them are young, underpaid, and scared. They’re not monsters-they’re products of a broken system. Fix the system, not just the headlines.
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.