Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged Kenyans to support the family of Rex Kanyike Masai, who tragically lost his life during protests on Thursday evening.
Rex was fatally shot around 7 pm along Moi Avenue in Nairobi amid demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024. Speaking at the City Mortuary while accompanying Masai’s family before the post-mortem examination, the MP expressed deep sorrow at witnessing the anguish of parents affected by the tragic incident.
“To die at the prime of one’s life, fighting for a future that has been brutally snatched away by the oppressor, is a terrible price to pay,” he said on X.
“We will make sure your sacrifice is not in vain friend. Go well and pass our regards to our founding fathers, let them know the struggle lives on.”
The MP also gave a contribution of Sh200,000 to assist in funeral arrangements.
“I call upon Kenyans to stand with the family of this fallen hero at this difficult time through their paybill and give whatever little they can,” he added.
During the anti-Finance Bill protest in Nairobi, at least one person was fatally shot. Police have initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Rex, aged 29, who was shot and killed.
Aerial footage captured the moment when he was shot. The protesters had been forcibly moved by police from various locations including Kenyatta Avenue and City Hall Way, gathering later on Moi Avenue to express their opposition to the Bill.
At this location, music from a nearby club prompted some protesters to dance. Witnesses alleged that an individual in plain clothes and a cap appeared and began firing at the group, causing them to disperse. Rex sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and collapsed on the road, crying out for assistance.
Fellow protesters rendered aid and rushed him to Bliss Hospital Moi Avenue, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.
