DPP Orders IPOA to Submit Probe File into Masai’s Death within 21 Days
Comprehensive Investigation Launched into Alleged Police Shooting
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has mandated the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to submit a comprehensive investigation report on the alleged shooting of Rex Masai within 21 days. This directive follows the tragic incident that occurred during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Renson Ingonga, emphasized the need for a thorough and detailed investigation into the matter. “Pursuant to the provisions of Article 157(4) of the Constitution, the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out thorough and comprehensive investigations into the matter,” the statement reads. “The resultant inquiry file together with the report should be forwarded to the ODPP not later than 21 days from the date hereof.”
This move comes shortly after IPOA announced the initiation of an investigation into the shooting, which allegedly involved a police officer. Rex Masai was reportedly killed during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi on Thursday.
IPOA has confirmed that an investigation team has already made contact with Masai’s family. “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,” stated IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori.
The shooting occurred at around 7 PM along Moi Avenue. Witnesses reported that a plainclothes officer, wearing a cap, emerged and started shooting at the protesters who had gathered outside Moi Avenue after being pushed back by police from other areas such as Kenyatta Avenue and City Hall Way.
Rex Masai was struck in the leg and fell to the ground, crying for help. Fellow protesters rushed him to Bliss Hospital on Moi Avenue, where he was pronounced dead while receiving medical attention. Hospital officials noted that Masai arrived unconscious, with a significant injury to his left thigh, and succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Stay updated for more details on the ongoing investigation and developments surrounding this tragic incident.
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