IPOA Ordered To Conclude Rex Kanyike Masai’s Murder Investigation In 21 Days
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete its investigation into the murder of 29-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai within 21 days.
Masai was allegedly shot and killed by police during Thursday’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The DPP directed IPOA on Friday to investigate the matter and submit an inquiry report within 21 days.
“Consequently, pursuant to the provisions of Article 157(4) of the Constitution, the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out thorough and comprehensive investigations into the matter,” ODPP stated.
Press statement on the death of Rex Kanyike Masai.#HakiNaUsawa pic.twitter.com/jWTVwzcWqC
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) June 21, 2024
“Thereafter, the resultant inquiry file together with the report should be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(ODPP) not later than twenty-one (21) days from the date hereof.”
The IPOA has since announced the launch of an investigation into Masai’s fatal shooting.
According to a statement from the Authority’s Chairperson, Anne Makori, the state agency has been monitoring police conduct since the protests began on Tuesday.
She observed that both protestors and police exercised restraint.
However, she emphasized specific incidents, such as Masai’s case and injuries sustained by other protesters during the demonstrations, and urged the police to exercise restraint.
“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,” she 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.”
Kanyike was on his way home with a friend around 7 p.m. when he was shot in the knee outside the Hilton Hotel on Moi Avenue by a rogue cop who used live rounds.
The bullet remained lodged in his body until he died from excessive bleeding.
According to reports, he tried to seek medical attention for more than 20 minutes before being rushed to Bliss Medical Centre on Moi Avenue, where he was pronounced dead.
IPOA Ordered To Conclude Rex Kanyike Masai’s Murder Investigation In 21 Days
