The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is calling for those who witnessed the fatal shooting of Rex Masai to volunteer information.
Established through an Act of Parliament in November 2011 to provide civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya, IPOA seeks to gather information to advance the investigation into the incident.
IPOA’s target
IPOA insists that the information from witnesses will help bring closure to Masai’s family and hold the police accountable. Witnesses can reach IPOA through toll-free numbers 1559 or 0204906000.
“IPOA appeals for witness accounts from anyone who may have witnessed the fatal shooting of Mr. Rex Masai on June 20, 2024, to volunteer information to advance its investigations.
“This information will help not only bring closure to the family and friends but also contribute to police accountability. To offer information, you can call toll-free at 1559 (free of charge) or 0204906000,” IPOA revealed in a statement.
IPOA is once again calling upon anyone who witnessed the fatal shooting of Mr. Rex Masai on 20th June 2024, to come forth and volunteer information to advance its investigations. #PoliceAccountability #EndPoliceBrutality ^EM pic.twitter.com/M8515oFEyy
— IPOA (@IPOA_KE) July 11, 2024
Masai was buried on July 5 in Kamuthanga, Machakos County. He was shot on June 20, 2024, after an anti-Finance Bill protest turned deadly when anti-riot police lobbed a teargas canister at a crowd and shots rang out.
Masai sustained a fatal bullet wound to his thigh and was rushed to Bliss Hospital on Moi Avenue, where he passed away moments later due to excessive bleeding.
IPOA’s steps
Earlier this month, IPOA revealed that it had conducted investigations and was waiting to receive expert reports on the case.
The oversight authority disclosed that it had attended the post-mortem and obtained the report on the cause of death, recorded witness statements, visited and documented the crime scene, and collected evidence.
They also concluded the analysis of CCTV and other video footage of the incident, obtained necessary police and medical documents, requested deployment plans from the Nairobi Police Commander, summoned various police officers to record statements, submitted samples for forensic and ballistics analysis, and are awaiting expert reports and additional witness accounts.