Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance Condemns Police Killing of Rex Kanyike Masai and Rejects Finance Bill

In a fiery press conference today, members of the Azimio Coalition condemned the police killing of 29-year-old Rex Kanyike Masai during a peaceful protest in Nairobi.

The coalition also voiced strong opposition to the recently proposed Finance Bill, 2024, highlighting the growing discontent among Kenyans.

Early this morning, news broke that Kenyan police had fatally shot Masai, who was exercising his constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest under Article 37. The incident has sparked outrage, with the African Union reminding the Kenyan government of its obligation to uphold the right to peaceful protest under Article 11 of the African Charter.

Masai, a member of Gen Z, had joined thousands in Nairobi to protest against the Kenya Kwanza regime. Witnesses confirm that the demonstration was peaceful and non-violent when Masai was senselessly gunned down by police.

“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.” said Wiper Party Leader Hon.Kalonzo Musyoka

Azimio has pledged to support Masai’s family in seeking justice and demanded that the perpetrators of this and other incidents of police brutality be brought to justice.

“We call for the immediate resignation of Inspector General Japheth Koome and Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bunge, and urged the Director of Public Prosecution to charge them and the involved officers with murder” said Embakasi East MP Babu Owino

The coalition also criticized the police for the deaths of 75 other demonstrators during previous protests, accusing the authorities of failing to protect peaceful demonstrators and of turning a blind eye to the injustices committed.

In addition to addressing police violence, Azimio condemned the Finance Bill, 2024, which was recently rejected by 115 Members of the National Assembly but supported by 204 MPs. The coalition praised those who opposed the bill as patriots and labeled those who supported it as traitors, accusing them of betraying the Kenyan people for material gain.

“We urge all Kenyans whose Members of Parliament voted for the Finance Bill to begin the process of their recall.They are Dishonourable Members.” said DAP-K Party Leader Hon. Eugene Wamalwa

Azimio called on Gen Z to develop innovative methods for holding these MPs accountable and emphasized that the upcoming elections would see these “traitors” ousted.

The coalition decried the current regime’s handling of the economy, accusing it of increasing the cost of living and fostering corruption. They lauded the youth-led protests against the government, dubbing it “The Kenyan Spring.”

“This is a significant turning point in the history of our nation, comparable to Saba Saba Day,” Azimio proclaimed, emphasizing the determination and non-violent nature of the Gen Z protesters.

Azimio concluded by affirming their solidarity with Gen Z and all Kenyans seeking social and economic justice, vowing to continue their fight through parliament, courts, and on the streets until significant changes are achieved.

As the press conference ended, the message was clear: the Kenyan government is under increasing pressure to address police brutality and economic grievances, with a politically engaged youth population leading the charge.