The Council of Governors has paid tribute to Rex Masai Kanyike, a young protester who died Thursday evening after allegedly being shot by police in Nairobi.
While delivering the tribute, CoG chairperson Anne Waiguru urged police officers to be sober as they carried out their duties.
“Today we commence our address on a sombre mode as we pay tribute to the young man who lost his life yesterday after he succumbed to gunshot wounds following the protest witnessed across various counties,” she said.
“On behalf of the Council of Governors and the 47 county governments, we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rex Kanyike,” Waiguru added.
She spoke at a G7 Women Governors Caucus meeting called to discuss the next steps following the successful launch of their strategy.
Kanyike, 29, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Bliss Healthcare Centre on Moi Avenue.
He was part of thousands of young protesters who thronged the streets of Nairobi Thursday to denounce the government’s plan to implement a raft of tax measures many have considered as punitive.
His death has been widely condemned, including by the Azimio opposition group and Amnesty International.
The protesters want the Finance Bill 2024 repealed entirely.
MPs, however, defied the growing voice of dissent and voted to pass the Bill on Second Reading by 204 votes to 115 votes against it.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) announced on Friday that it had already launched an investigation into Kanyike’s fatal shooting.
“The Authority has documented the death of Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” Ipoa chair Ann Makori said in a statement.
“Accordingly, and a in accordance with Section 7 of the Ipoa Act, the Authority has this morning launched investigations into the fatal shooting and our investigation team has since established contact with the family of Masai,” she added.
The Authority said its investigators were present at the City Mortuary, where Kanike’s autopsy was scheduled for Friday.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has since directed the Ipoa to submit the report of the investigation within 21 days of the onset of the probe.
Kanyike’s mother, Gillian Munyao, has demanded justice for her son.
“His only mistake was participating in peaceful protests and standing up for the rights of all Kenyans. The government must ensure he finds justice,” she said.
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