Inquiry Opens on Murder of Protester During Protests in Kenya
Protesters in the streets of Nairobi, June 2024 Photo: @PO_GrassRootM
June 21, 2024 Hour: 3:20 pm
Through a statement, the IPOA reported that it will investigate the death of Rex Masai, 29, as well as injuries sustained by other demonstrators and police officers who were trying to quell the protests.
Kenya’s Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation on Friday into the murder, the day before, of a young protester participating in the nationwide peaceful protests against Finance Bill 2024, which contemplates raising taxes and creating others.
Related:
Kenya: At Least 315 Dead and 38 Misssing Persons Due to the Heavy Rains
Through a statement, the IPOA reported that it will investigate the death of Rex Masai, 29, as well as injuries sustained by other demonstrators and police officers who were trying to quell the protests.
According to media reports, Masai was shot around 19:00 in the capital city of Nairobi. Witnesses said he was shot by a police officer dressed in civilian clothes. He was bleeding profusely when he was immediately transferred to Bliss Medical Center, where he died shortly thereafter.
The autopsy revealed that he bled to death after suffering a fatal thigh wound. His mother, Gillian Munyao, demanded justice.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions ordered the IPOA to submit within 21 days a comprehensive report on what happened, together with complaints from demonstrators that, despite the peaceful tone of the mobilizations, the Police used live ammunition, as well as tear gas and water cannons.
Local media quoting NGO’s reported that more than a hundred protesters were arrested and around 200 injured in Thursday’s protests in Nairobi.
The day before, protesters attempted to surround the Congress, where parliamentarians debated the controversial bill. The original document foresees new taxes, such as applying a value-added tax (VAT) of 16 percent on bread and 2.5 percent on motor vehicles, and also increasing some already existing.
Protests began on Monday and echoed in other cities. They are considered to be carried out by very young people, not affiliated with traditional parties and who communicate through social networks.
In addition to demanding the removal of the bill from the legislative agenda, protesters demanded the resignation of President William Rutto.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: The Star-EFE
