The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an inquiry into the deadly shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai, a 24-year-old man killed by police during the occupy parliament protests on Thursday in the CBD.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori expressed condolences to the deceased's family and stated that the state agency has been monitoring police conduct since the protests began on Tuesday.

PHOTO | COURTESY Rex Kanyike Masai and his mother

Makori said that both demonstrators and police were relatively calm during the demonstrations. She did, however, highlight specific events, such as Masai's case and the injuries received by other demonstrators throughout the protests.

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"The Authority commends the protesters for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed and equally commend the National Police Service's visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations," she said.

"However, the Authority has documented the death of Mr. Rex Masai allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers. Accordingly, the Authority has this morning launched Investigations into the fatal shooting and our investigation team has since established contact with the family of Mr. Masai."

PHOTO | COURTESY Rex Kanyike Masai

"The Authority condoles with the family of Mr. Masai, friends and all Kenyans affected by the unfortunate event. IPOA further wishes quick recovery to all persons who were injured. IPOA remains committed to independence, impartiality, fairness and unbiased In all Its operations," she said.

Kanyike was headed home with a buddy about 7 p.m. when he was shot in the knee outside the Hilton Hotel on Moi Avenue by a rogue officer using live ammunition.

The gunshot stayed trapped in his body until he died from heavy bleeding.

According to reports, he tried to seek medical treatment for more than 20 minutes before being brought to Bliss Medical Centre on Moi Avenue, where he was pronounced dead.