Azimio piles pressure on police over the fatal shooting of Rex Masai

Opposition coalition Azimio La Umoja, the Council of Governors and the United Green Movement Party have demanded justice for Rex Kanyike Masai, an anti-Finance Bill 2024 protester who was shot dead on Thursday, calling for exhaustive investigations into the killing.

Azimio opposition coalition leaders, on Friday, called for the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei for the protester's death.

In a press briefing, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the duo of failing in their duties to protect the peaceful Kenyans demonstrating against the Finance Bill 2024.

He also demanded that the Director of Public Prosecution, Renson Ingonga, institute charges against Koome, Bungei, and the officer responsible for Rex's murder.

"As Azimio and on behalf of the people, we demand that Inspector General Japheth Koome and Nairobi Regional Commander Mr. Adamson Bunge immediately tender their resignations for failing to protect the peaceful demonstrators. We also demand that the Director of Public Prosecution bring charges against Koome, Bungei, and their rogue officers for the murder of Rex," the statement read in part.

Rex Kanyike Masai was shot dead on Thursday, June 20, 2024, during the anti-Finance Bill protests. (Photo: X/BonifaceMwangi)

The Azimio politician raised questions about why police officers used brutal force on protesters who were picketing peacefully.

"This is a tragic event with far-reaching consequences. Our coalition is extremely disturbed by Rex's fatal shooting. We have far too many memories of these tragedies, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the community that has suffered such a terrible loss," he stated.

"We stand with Rex, his family, and his comrades. We pledge to offer all the help required to seek answers and justice. We demand that these perpetrators of police brutality be arrested and charged with murder in a court of law."

CoG Chairperson Anne Waiguru called on the National Police Service to exercise sobriety even as they undertake their duties.

"On behalf of the Council of Governors and the 47 County Governments, we send our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Rex Kanyike," said Waiguru.

The United Green Movement Party, conversely, claimed Rex's killing was an assassination. "We pledge that his blood shall not be in vain. He will be immortalised in this liberation," said Terry Kambua, the United Green Movement National Youth Leader.

People run after police use water cannons to disperse protesters during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 20, 2024. REUTERS