Gillian Munyao, the mother of Rex Masai who was shot dead on June 20 during the anti-Finance Bill protests has shared the events leading up to her son’s death.
According to her, Rex had just finished work and was with a friend in Nairobi CBD to run errands. Due to the tension in town, Rex and the friend agreed to regroup at Afya Centre after completing their activities.
Howeever, while they were near Nairobi Archives when police threw a teargas canister.
Due to the choking fumes, Rex Masai and his friend ran, but the police chased them. A police officer then fired a shot, hitting Rex in the left thigh and causing him to fall.
“The friend says that they were standing near archives and a teargas canister was launched in their direction. However, when they were running he was shot. When the police left, the friend went to check on him. They even called the police to help them when the officer stated that they should leave him to die there,” Gillian narrated.
Receiving the News
Gillian received a call about the shooting a few minutes past 7 pm. She was told Rex Masai was taken to a clinic near Archives but died before she could reach him.
“I was called around 7 pm in the evening and I was informed that he had been shot in the left leg and that he was taken to a clinic near Archives. When I arrived in Town from Nyamavilla area, I was told that he was no more,” the distraught mother stated.
Call for Justice
Gillian Munyao has called on the government to investigate the incident and ensure justice for her son.
“I want to ask the government for justice for the person who killed my son,” she added.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the shooting. However, the police officer who allegedly fired the shot has not yet been arrested.
This tragic event continues to fuel public outrage and demands for accountability from the police.
By Vivian K.