- IPOA in a statement on Friday said an investigations team has since established contact with the family of Masai.
- The authority lauded protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed.
Image: FILE
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the shooting of a protester on Thursday by a person alleged to be a police officer.
This comes following the death of a protester who was allegedly killed during Thursday's anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
Rex Kanyike Masai, was allegedly shot and killed by police during Thursday's protests in Nairobi.
IPOA in a statement on Friday said an investigations team has since established contact with the family of Masai.
"The Authority has documented the death of Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers," IPOA chairperson Anne Makori said.
According to IPOA, the National Police Service Act and service standing orders dictate that force used by an officer shall be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.
The authority lauded protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed.
It further commended the National Police Service for exercising restraint unlike in previous demonstrations.
It called for continued restraint by the police and urged the public to be peaceful and conduct themselves within the confines of the law.
"The Authority condoles with the family of Masai, friends and all Kenyans affected by the unfortunate event," Makori said.
She reiterated thee commitment by the authority to independence, impartiality, fairness and unbiased in all its operations.
IPOA launched a monitoring operation into police conduct during the mass protests against the proposed Finance Bill, 2024 on June 18, 2024.
The shooting incident took place at about 7 pm along Moi Avenue.
An aerial video captured the moment the victim was shot.