By Debra Rono
Independent police oversight authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into the shooting incident involving Rex Kanyike Masai, an Occupy Parliament protester who was allegedly shot dead by a police officer on Thursday evening during the anti-finance bill protests.
In a statement dispatch by IPOA the authority has launched investigations into police conduct during the anti-finance bill protest against finance bill 2024.
“Pursuant to Section 6 (c) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, which demands that the Authority monitor and investigate all policing operations affecting members of the public, IPOA launched a monitoring operation into police conduct during the mass protests against the proposed Finance Bill, 2024 on 18th June 2024.” read the statement.
The probe follows a directive by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to conduct thorough investigations on the murder of Rex Kanyeki Masai with ODPP giving 21 days for IPOA to file the report on the matter.
At the same time, IPOA expressed appreciation for the protesters exercising their civil right to peacefully demonstrate, while also acknowledging the police for displaying restraint during the protests.
“The Authority commends the protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed and equally commend the National Police Service’s visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations.” the statement read in part.
Moreover, IPOA revealed that they have initiated contact with the victim’s family to aid in the investigation.
IPOA also revealed that it had documented all severe injuries sustained during the protests.
“Accordingly , and in accordance to Section 7 of IPOA Act, the Authority has this morning launched investigations into 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,” stated IPOA.
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They also conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to the family and all those affected by the unfortunate incident.
“The Authority condoles with the family of Mr Masai, friends and all Kenyans affected by the unfortunate event. IPOA further wishes a quick recovery to all persons who were injured,” revealed the statement.
IPOA remains committed to independence, impartiality, fairness and unbiased in all its operations.