Chair of Council of Governors Anne Waiguru condoled the family of Rex Kanyike who succumbed to gunshot wounds after being shot within Nairobi’s Central Business District.
During the address on Friday, June 21, 2024, Waiguru appealed once more to police officers in charge of calming protests to exercise sobriety while carrying out their duties.
“Today we commence our address on a very sombre note as we pay tribute to the young man who lost his life yesterday after he succumbed to gunshot wounds following the protests witnessed,” Waiguru stated.
The Kirinyaga County governor noted that there was a need for the police to manage protestors using peaceful means.
“We call upon the National Police Service to exercise sobriety even as they carry out their duties,” she stated.
She added: “On behalf of the council of governors and the 47 county governments, we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rex Kanyike.”
IPOA begins Investigations
In a statement on Friday, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) chairperson Anne Makori said the agency is investigating police conduct during the June 18 and June 20, 2024 demos.
IPOA boss Makori underscored that the agency is mandated to oversee all police operations affecting the public under Section 6(c) of its Act.
“The Authority commends the protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed and equally commends the National Police Service’s visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations. However, the Authority has documented the death of Rex Masai allegedly as a result of a police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” the IPOA chairperson said.
DPP on Rex’s death
On Friday, June 21, 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga gave IPOA a 21-day ultimatum to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the death.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would like to inform the general public that Rex Kanyike Masai, aged 29 years old, was allegedly shot on Thursday 20th June 2024 within the Central Business District, Nairobi, and died while undergoing medical treatment at Bliss Health Care Centre, Moi Avenue,” Ingonga said.
The DPP assured the public of following up on the matter to ensure justice is served to the deceased’s family.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law while discharging its Constitutional Mandate,” Ingonga assured.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
