News Desk

An investigation into the death of a protester shot on Thursday during the large-scale anti-tax protests in Nairobi’s capital has been opened by Kenya’s independent policing review authority. Amid the growing protests, the event has caused widespread indignation and increased scrutiny of police operations.

The man, identified by authorities as Rex Masai, took part in one of several protests against a controversial funding bill being debated in parliament, and police reportedly fired live ammunition. The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) said on Friday that it had

“documented the death of Rex Masai, allegedly as a result of police firing, and serious injuries to several other protesters, including police officers”.

On Thursday, a CNN crew witnessed police firing tear gas at protesters, injuring a reporter from the canister. Mass arrests were recorded in Nairobi earlier this week, with police arresting more than 200 people, according to civil society groups.

“The agency opened an investigation into the fatal shooting this morning and our investigation team has since been in contact with the Masai family,”

IPOA said in a statement. The IPOA called for “continued police restraint” and urged citizens to “remain calm and behave within the law.”.