The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in an intriguing twist of events, has revealed a compelling narrative on investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
In a statement shared through their X account on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, ODPP disclosed receiving a comprehensive report encompassing four files related to the fatalities and injuries resulting from protests across various regions of the country.
“On June 19, 2024, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) received four (4) files and accompanying reports from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) related to deaths and injuries during protests across various parts of the country,” part of ODPP statement read.
Rex Masai’s case
In the context of protestor Rex Masai’s case, ODPP highlighted that the deceased had been identified by relatives for post-mortem examination.
Upon delving deeper into the investigation, the ODPP unveiled a series of concerning revelations.
Firstly, it was noted that the individuals who transported Rex to the hospital failed to present themselves to provide statements, a significant setback in the quest for clarity surrounding the circumstances of the shooting incident.
Particularly troubling was the absence of the key witness who was with Rex at the time of the shooting.
“The people who took Rex Kanyeki Masai to the hospital have not come forward to record statements, including the key witness who was with the deceased during the shooting and who informed the deceased’s parents after the incident occurred,” ODPP remarked.
Call on witnesses
Moreover, the investigation took a perplexing turn with the revelation that the CCTV footage capturing the shooting incident failed to definitively identify the individual responsible for pulling the trigger.
Further, ODPP revealed there was ambiguity which further complicated the efforts to ascertain accountability and establish the sequence of events leading to Rex’s tragic demise.
In a final plea for cooperation and information, the ODPP issued a request to all individuals who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information to step forward and provide statements to IPOA.
“I call upon any person with information pertaining to this case especially the witnesses who took the deceased to hospital and those who witnessed the shooting to come forward and record a statement with IPOA,” ODPP noted.