DPP gives IPOA 21 days to conclude probe into murder of Rex Kanyike Masai

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude a probe into the killing of 29-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai within 21 days.

Masai was allegedly shot and killed by police during the anti-Finance bill demonstrations held on Thursday in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

The DPP on Friday directed IPOA to probe the matter and forward an inquiry report before the lapse of 21 days.

"Consequently, 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," ODPP stated.

"Thereafter, the resultant inquiry file together with the report should be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(ODPP) not later than twenty-one (21) days from the date hereof."

IPOA has since announced the launch of investigations into the fatal shooting of Masai.

The Authority's Chairperson Anne Makori in a statement said the state agency had been monitoring police conduct since the onset of the protests on Tuesday.

She noted that both protestors and police largely showed restraint but highlighted specific incidents such as the case of Masai and injuries sustained by other protesters during the demonstrations, further calling for restraint by the police.

"The Authority commends the protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed and equally commend the National Police Service's visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations," she said.

"However, the Authority has documented the death of Mr Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers."