Outcry Over Death During Nairobi Protests: Calls for Police Accountability Grow
By Melvis Gala
In the aftermath of demonstrations that rocked Nairobi’s CBD, tragedy struck with the reported death of Rex Kanyike Masai, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice from various quarters.
Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has been vocal in demanding accountability from Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and the officer allegedly involved in the incident. Owino asserted, “Koome, we know that you’re vicariously liable for this murder with malice…therefore you must resign and the DPP must institute a criminal charge of murder against your person and the police officer who murdered Rex.”
The circumstances leading to Rex’s death have stirred emotions across the nation. According to Jilian Munyau, Rex’s mother, despite pleas for urgent medical assistance while he was still alive, the responding police officers callously instructed them to let him die where he lay. Munyau recounted, “After the police left, a friend checked on Rex and found him severely bleeding. They called a passerby for help, who requested nearby police officers for assistance or an ambulance to take him to the hospital, as Rex was still alive. Shockingly, the police told them to let him die there and continued on their way.”
The family’s ordeal did not end there. Authorities reportedly delayed the process of retrieving Rex’s body, citing governmental jurisdiction, prolonging the anguish for his loved ones. It wasn’t until midnight that his body was finally transported to the City Mortuary.
The incident has ignited public outcry and renewed discussions on police accountability and response protocols during protests. Demonstrators and concerned citizens have taken to social media and the streets, demanding justice for Rex and reforms within the police force to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As investigations into Rex Kanyike Masai’s death continue, the calls for action against the responsible parties are expected to intensify, placing pressure on law enforcement and government officials to address the grievances of the aggrieved family and the wider community.
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