Editor's Review

Rex Masai was allegedly shot by a police officer during the anti-finance bill demos in Nairobi CBD.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai.

In a statement on Friday, June 21, ODPP said IPOA should forward the inquiry file within 21 days.

“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,” read the statement in part.

Masai was allegedly shot by a police officer on Thursday, June 20 during the anti-finance bill demos in Nairobi CBD.

File image of the late Rex Masai. 

He was rushed to Bliss Health Care Centre, Moi Avenue in Nairobi to receive medical treatment but he succumbed.

Earlier IPOA announced it has launched an investigation on the 29-year-old’s death.

"Accordingly, and in accordance to Section 7 of 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," IPOA stated.

The death of Masai sparked outrage on social media on Friday as netizens demanded justice for the fallen young man.

On X, Kenyans, under the hashtag, #JusticeForRex, demanded the officer linked to the shooting be arrested and tried in court.

The Azimio coalition has demanded for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei for failing to protect protestors during the anti-finance bill demonstrations.