IPOA launches inquiry into Rex Masai's death amidst anti-Finance Bill protests

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of 29-year-old Rex Masai, who died during mass protests against the proposed Finance Bill, 2024 on Thursday.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori in a statement on Friday said the authority had documented the death of Rex Masai who allegedly died as a result of a police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers.

"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 injury incidents documented during the demonstrations," Makori stated.

A police report released on Friday, 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.

IPOA also extended condolences to Masai's family and expressed sympathy to all affected by the incident.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to independence, impartiality, fairness, and unbiased conduct in all investigative proceedings.

Protesters run after police use water cannons to disperse them during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2024. REUTERS

Going further, IPOA commended the peaceful nature of the protests and acknowledged the National Police Service for showing visible restraint, marking an improvement from previous similar events.

Despite efforts to maintain order, the situation escalated when, according to reports, police intervention led to fatal consequences.

IPOA noted that besides Masai's death, several other demonstrators and police officers sustained serious injuries during the protests.

"In light of these developments, IPOA emphasises the importance of police officers adhering to the conditions governing the use of force," Makori said.

"It is crucial that force, when necessary, is used proportionally and responsibly, in accordance with the law," she added.

Anti-finance Bill protestors take to the streets in Isiolo Town on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Amnesty in its update of Thursday's demonstrations as of 6: 44pm, 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, more than 100 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).

In Nairobi alone, at least 200 people have been injured in Nairobi.

" 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.

Police and Use of Force

Under the National Police Service Act and Service Standing Orders, police officers are required to exhaust non-violent means first and ensure that any use of force is directly proportional to the situation at hand.

The Act also states when the use of force results in injuries the police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so is a criminal offence.

By law, a police officer who uses any form of force shall immediately, report to his or her superior.

Also, any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

It shall be a disciplinary offence for a police officer to fail to report in accordance with these regulations as indicated by law.

A police officer in uniform shall at all times affix a nametag or identifiable Service number in a visible part of the uniform