Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has given the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) a 21-day ultimatum to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the death of Rex Kanyike Masai.
The DPP in a statement on Friday, June 21, 2024, said he was aware of the incident that saw Rex get shot within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
“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,” the statement reads.
Forward investigation file
DPP Ingonga in the statement directed IPOA to carry out thorough investigations into the matter and forward the resultant inquiry file together with the report to his office 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.
“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 statement reads in part.
Justice for Rex
The DPP’s office assured the public of following up 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 it’s Constitutional Mandate,” the DPP said in the statement.
Rex lost his life on Thursday, June 20, 2024, while undergoing medical treatment at Bliss Health Care Centre within Nairobi CBD, after being shot by a police officer during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
IPOA commitment
IPOA has since taken up the matter and launched investigations into the incident.
In a statement on Friday, 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 Mr. Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” the IPOA chairperson said.
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