The tragic death of 24-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai during anti-Finance Bill protests has sparked a vehement outcry against the National Police Service, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino leading the charge.
The young protester was shot dead on Thursday, June 20, amidst escalating demonstrations in Nairobi, a loss that has intensified scrutiny over police practices and fueled calls for accountability and reform.
Speaking passionately on the matter, MP Babu Owino delivered a damning condemnation of the current police practices that he described as “alarming and unacceptable.”
He expressed grave concerns over the rising instances of police officers deliberately concealing their identities while on duty, a trend he believes is a calculated move to evade accountability for their actions.
“There’s an undeniable surge in officers donning masks and taking other measures to hide their identities during these protests. The only plausible reason for such anonymity is to commit crimes without facing repercussions. It’s clear that these actions are a deliberate attempt to shield themselves from justice.”
Babu Owino’s statements come at a critical juncture, highlighting an unsettling pattern where masked and plainclothes officers are increasingly blending with demonstrators since the onset of the protests. This tactic, he argues, compromises the integrity of law enforcement and undermines public trust.
“The second day of protests saw a significant uptick in the deployment of plainclothes officers within the crowds,” Owino noted, underscoring the urgency for transparency and accountability within the police force.
He did not hesitate to hold high-ranking officials accountable, issuing a stern warning to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome.
“If the officer responsible for Rex’s death remains unidentified, Inspector General Koome will bear full responsibility. We will not rest until justice is served for Rex and all victims of police brutality. The days of unaccountable police violence are over; this is a turning point.”
Call for Accountability
The call for accountability has resonated widely, with human rights activists and prominent figures like Boniface Mwangi joining in.
Mwangi, who has been at the forefront of advocating for justice, accompanied Rex’s mother, Gillian Munyao, to the City Mortuary, where Rex’s body was taken. He has been vocal in condemning the police’s actions and demanding that justice be served.
“Rex wasn’t armed; he was a young man standing up for his rights. In his pocket were his ID and phone, a stark reminder of the very real fear young people face when encountering the police. After Rex was shot, a friend pleaded with the officers for help, only to be callously told to let him die.”
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