The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated investigations into the Thursday shooting of a protester, reportedly by an individual believed to be a police officer.
Rex Kanyike Masai was fatally shot and killed on Thursday evening during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
In a statement early Friday, IPOA said an investigation team probing the incident had already established contact with the deceased’s family to facilitate a smooth investigation process.
“[IPOA] has documented Masai’s death allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators, including police officers,” said IPOA chairperson Anne Makori.
Kanyike, 29, is said to have died after a police officer shot him around 7pm on Moi Avenue, within the city centre. The chilling incident, captured on camera, showed a man in civilian clothes firing a gun at a protester.
“The Authority condoles with Masai’s family, friends, and all Kenyans affected by the unfortunate event,” Ms. Makori said, lauding protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed.
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IPOA also commended the National Police Service for showing restraint.
According to the National Police Service Act, the force employed by a police officer must be proportionate to the objective sought, the gravity of the offence, and the resistance encountered from the individual.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International-Kenya has accused the police of brutality against protesters ‘picketing peacefully,’ claiming that there have been five casualties from bullet injuries.
“There have been five casualties from rubber bullet injuries, police tear gas canisters, and batons. Six people were hit by cars while running away from police officers,” Amnesty said in a statement late Thursday.
“There is confirmation of live shootings verified by the presence of spent cartridges,” it said.”
