Rex Kanyike Masai: The first martyr of the youth revolution

When 29-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai left his home on Thursday morning, he anticipated joining hundreds of youths exercising their democratic rights protesting against the Finance Bill.

He joined the youths in Nairobi's Central Business District as they took part in 'Occupy Parliament' protests as they faced the police head-on.

It was a running battle for close to nine hours as police used tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the unshakable youths who were almost overwhelmed in an attempt to access Parliament.

From around 6 pm, police and the youths fought in running battles along City Hall Way, Mama Ngina Street, Moi Avenue and Kimathi Street.

As revealed by activist Boniface Mwangi on Friday, Rex was shot by a police officer in plain clothes at around 7 pm.

"After the police shot him, his friend Alex, asked the police to help carry him, they told him "Wacha akufe! (Leave him to die!)," he said.

Boniface also known as the People's Watchman revealed that the late Rex had his Identity Card, an indication that he knew of the essentials one should carry as they participate in protests.

"In Rex Kanyike's pocket were his Identification Card, and phone. He wasn't armed. He knew that Kenya Police harasses any young person who walks around without an ID," he added.

As narrated by Boniface, after the police refused to help carry Rex, one bystander came to the rescue and helped carry him, who was then bleeding profusely.

Unfortunately, Rex was pronounced dead at 7:38 pm upon arrival at the hospital which was only a few metres from the scene of shooting.

"His friend Alex says the hospital didn't even want to open the doors because they thought it was protestors being chased by the police. They took their time. He was shot around 7 pm and declared dead at 7:38 pm," Boniface said.

A police report released at 10:02 pm as seen by The Eastleigh Voice reads that Lawrence Machira, Head of Operations at Bliss Hospital Moi Avenue said that a patient was brought to the facility by members of the public.

"He was unconscious with an injury on the thigh of his left leg but succumbed to the same while undergoing treatment," reads the report.

Macharia says that police officers visited the scene and confirmed the same.

"The deceased was identified as Rex Kanyike Masai a Kamba male adult aged 29 years. The necessary police action was taken and the body moved to City Mortuary," the report reads further.

Rex's mother, Gillian Munyao later at night arrived at Bliss Hospital and proceeded to the City Mortuary after receiving the tragic news of their loved one.

The news of his death spread across social media platforms and people took it upon themselves to try to identify the police who took away Rex's life despite him being armed with nothing other than his ID and mobile phone.

A video has emerged of a man dressed in white shoes, blue jeans, and a light blue shirt who was carrying a baton and what appears to be a pistol which he removes and starts shooting as he runs.

Kenyans on social media are calling upon business premises along Moi Avenue with CCTV to release their footage to help reveal the identity of the police who shot Rex.

People on social media have already started employing digital tools to gather evidence and crowdsource information in an attempt to reveal the shooter’s identity.

Young people skilled in technology are utilising various methods to uncover the identity of the police officer involved.

Some of these techniques include enhancing video footage, closely examining photographs for distinctive characteristics, and utilising facial recognition software.

Also, they are cross-referencing images with public records to narrow down potential suspects.

Activist Boniface has called on the youths to show up at City Mortuary to stand with Rex's family.

"If you're nearby, let's meet at City Mortuary. Let's go show some love to Rex Kanyeki's parents. I have spoken to them, and you're welcome," he said.

People fall as they run after police use water cannon to disperse protesters during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2024. REUTERS

200 Injured

Giving an update of Thursday's demonstrations as of 6: 44pm, Amnesty International reported that the anti-finance bill protests took place across 19 counties; Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Isiolo, Kisi, Laikipia (Nanyuki), Kiliff, Garissa, Kiambu (Thika), Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Embu, Machakos and Migori.

From the demos, at least 35 persons have been arrested across the country. They include Nairobi (20), Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (70), and Nakuru (2).

At least 200 people were injured and more than 100 were arrested across the country.

" Their injuries range from soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas. 50 have been referred for further specialised treatment," reads the report by Amnesty.

It was also reported that Thursday's CBD demos resulted in five casualties from rubber bullet injuries, police tear gas canisters and batons.

Six people were hit by cars while running away from police officers as reported.

Amnesty also confirmed live shootings verified by the presence of spent cartridges.

The organization commended the protestors, many of whom they described as youthful, for picketing peacefully, exhibiting restraint and decorum despite provocation by the police who used tear gas as well as water cannons in the CBD.

"Many bystanders and businesspeople expressed solidarity with the protestors by generously sharing water and food and tending to those requiring medical assistance throughout the day," reads the report.

Jamia Mosque opened its doors to medical personnel treating those injured during Tuesday's and Thursday's protests.

Some business premises also opened their doors to shield protestors who were running away from the police.