The Council of Governors has paid tribute to Rex Masai Kanyike, the youthful protester who died Thursday evening after he was allegedly shot by police in Nairobi.
While delivering the tribute, CoG chairperson Anne Waiguru called on the police to exercise sobriety as they execute their call of duty.
“Today we commence our address on a sombre mode as we pay tribute to the young man who lost his life yesterday after he succumbed to gunshot wounds following the protest witnessed across various counties,” she said.
“On behalf of the Council of Governors and the 47 county governments, we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rex Kanyike,” Waiguru added.
She spoke during a G7 Women Governors Caucus meeting called to chat the way forward after the successful launch of their strategy.
Kanyike, 29, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bliss Healthcare Centre on Moi Avenue.
He was part of thousands of youthful protesters who thronged the streets of Nairobi Thursday to denounce the government’s plan to introduce a raft of tax measures many have deemed as punitive.
His death has been widely condemned including by the Opposition Azimio and Amnesty International.
The protesters want the Finance Bill, 2024 dropped entirely.
MPs, however, defied the growing voice of dissent and voted to pass the Bill at the Second Reading stage by 204 votes against 115 that were cast to oppose the piece of legislation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) said on Friday it has already initiated investigations into the fatal shooting of Kanyike.
“The Authority has documented the death of Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” Ipoa chair Ann Makori said in a statement.
“Accordingly, and a in accordance with Section 7 of the 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 Masai,” she added.
The Authority said its team of investigators was present at the City Mortuary where an autopsy on Kanike’s body was scheduled to be performed on Friday.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has since directed the Ipoa to submit the report of the investigation within 21 days from the onset of the probe.
Kanyike’s mother, Jillian Munyua, has demanded justice for her son.
"His only mistake was participating in peaceful protests and standing up for the rights of all Kenyans. The government must ensure he finds justice," she said.