Tragic Death of Rex Kanyike: Mother Blames Police for Inaction
Mother Speaks Out
Jilian Munyau, mother of 24-year-old Rex Kanyike, has accused the police of allowing her son to bleed to death. Rex was shot during anti-finance bill demonstrations in Nairobi. Jilian recounted how officers could have saved Rex but chose not to, even telling him to die.
Receiving the News
Jilian spoke to journalists outside City Mortuary. She received news of her son’s shooting around 7pm on Thursday. By the time she arrived in Nairobi CBD, Rex had already succumbed to his injuries.
“Nilipigiwa simu saa moja jioni nikaambiwa Rex ameshootiwa kwa mguu, in the left thigh na walimpeleka to a nearest clinic apo Archives inaitwa Bliss. Nikifika town sikupata yuko hai. His friend ndiye alinipigia akitumia simu ya Rex akaniambia walikuwa wametoka kazini wakienda town,” Jilian said.
Incident Details
Rex and his friend were heading home when police lobbed teargas canisters to scatter the protesters. Everyone ran for safety. However, one officer shot directly into the crowd.
“Wakisimama hapo karibu na archives, (polisi) wakatupa teargas. Ile direction alikimbilia ndio alishootiwa. Wenzake ilibidi wakimbie sababu walikuwa wanakimbilia maisha yao,” she said.
When the smoke cleared, Rex’s friend returned to find him shot and bleeding. He urgently sought help from a passerby to take Rex to the hospital. While doing this, Rex’s friend and the passerby encountered police and asked for help. The officers heartlessly refused their request.
“After polisi kutoka, rafiki mmoja akarudi nyuma kuangalia Rex ako aje akapata amebleed kabisa, akaita mpita njia. Mpita njia akamsaidia so wakaona polisi nearby; wakawaambia wawasaidie na ambulance ama usaidizi wowote wampeleke hospitali juu bado alikuwa hai. Polisi wakasema wacha (Rex) akufe huko na wakaendelea na safari yao,” the grieving mother lamented.
Efforts to Save Rex
Rex subsequently passed away from excessive bleeding. Reports indicate that he spent over 20 minutes seeking medical attention before being rushed to Bliss Medical Centre along Moi Avenue, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Father’s Shock and Frustration
Rex’s father expressed shock at his son’s killing. “It was so shocking to hear the news. I was in town yesterday and the demos were so peaceful,” he said.
“Kuchukua his body was a problem because the police claimed iilikua chini ya serikali. The process delayed up to around 12 am when his body was brought to City Mortuary.”
Calls for Justice
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, present at City Mortuary, demanded action against Inspector General (IG) of Police Japhet Koome and the rogue police officer who killed Rex.
“The only crime Rex committed was to fight for the draconian finance bill not to go through. We’re demanding as members of the public and we’re pursuing this to the very end to ensure the rogue police is arrested,” Babu said.
“For the very first time in Kenyan history, this was the most peaceful demonstration there was no need of using bullets and excessive force. We demand for his arrest and prosecution, IG Koome should be prosecuted too. The violation of the right to life by the police should be compensated too but you can’t compare that since a life was lost.”
Investigations Underway
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting. The tragic death of Rex Kanyike has sparked outrage, with Kenyans demanding justice and accountability from the police force. This incident underscores the need for police reforms and the protection of citizens’ rights during demonstrations.
