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Títulos: Bastones, gas lacrimógeno, fuego real.

The recent wave of deaths in Kenya, resulting from police crackdowns on protests, began with the shooting of 30-year-old Rex Masai. This tragic event has shattered the already minimal trust in the police’s ability to maintain order. As new protests are set to take place, concerns are raised about how security forces will react. Please be advised that this article contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some readers.

On June 20, demonstrations against a finance bill turned violent as protesters in Nairobi became more defiant and police resorted to firing live bullets. Rex Masai was caught in the crossfire and tragically bled to death after being shot in the thigh. His friend, Ian Njuguna, witnessed the horrific incident and tried to save him, but they were tear-gassed by officers as they attempted to carry Masai to a hospital.

Several police officers are now facing prosecution for shooting and killing protesters, but investigations have been challenging due to lack of cooperation and intimidation from the police. Despite efforts to gather evidence and record statements, the case of Mr. Masai has not yet resulted in a prosecution.

A video showing a plain-clothes police officer shooting at fleeing protesters has been verified by the BBC, raising concerns of profiling based on appearance. Mr. Masai’s family was shocked to discover that the bullet lodged in his thigh was missing after the autopsy, leading to suspicions of evidence tampering.

The conduct of the police has eroded trust in the system, with many Kenyans hesitant to come forward as witnesses due to fear. Social media allegations of excessive force by police have prompted investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

Despite the legal framework in place, rights groups like Amnesty International criticize the use of live fire on unarmed protesters, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights in policing. Dejamos todo a Dios”, Fuente: Gillian Munyao, Descripción de la fuente: Madre de Rex Masai, Imagen: Un primer plano de una mujer mirando a la cámara

Pero él considera que el problema está arraigado en el sistema: “En lugar de calmar conversaciones, o facilitar manifestaciones pacíficas, lo que hemos visto es un intento de bloquear las protestas pacíficas. Y ahí es donde las cosas se rompen.”

Él argumenta que la policía puede funcionar si el liderazgo es claro en que el papel de la policía es calmar las tensiones.

“Si las manifestaciones son pacíficas, la policía no debe usar bombas lacrimógenas ni cañones de agua, ni siquiera balas reales,” dice el Sr. Waiganjo.

Su función es guiar a los manifestantes por un camino acordado y “solo pueden usar armas de fuego cuando la vida de una persona está en peligro”.

Preguntada si estaba segura de que se haría justicia, la madre del Sr. Masai dijo: “Sabes cómo funciona el gobierno aquí, pero confío en lo mejor.”