Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has announced plans to lobby the Machakos County Assembly to approve the naming of a street after Rex Kanyike Masai, a Generation Z youth who tragically lost his life during the finance bill protests in Nairobi.
Speaking during Rex’s burial in Kyamuthanga village, Muvuti location in Machakos on Friday, Governor Wavinya Ndeti honored Rex as a hero who should be remembered for his bravery and dedication to fighting for the rights of Kenyans. Rex was fatally shot during demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill, which sparked widespread protests across the country.
“Rex was a hero. He fought for the rights of Kenyans and paid the ultimate price. We must remember his courage and sacrifice,” said Governor Ndeti. She compared Rex’s efforts to those of Muindi Mbingu, the Akamba freedom fighter who opposed colonial oppression.
Governor Ndeti also called on the government to engage with the youth to understand the underlying issues driving them to the streets. “We need to have a dialogue with our youth to address their concerns and find solutions together,” she urged.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who also spoke at the burial, praised the government’s efforts to engage Generation Z on social platforms like X space, encouraging open conversations about the nation’s needed changes. However, he emphasized the church’s role in condemning governmental wrongdoings. “The church must regain its position and speak out against injustices,” Kalonzo stated.
Nairobi Senator Edward Sifuna expressed his condolences to Rex’s family and condemned the unnecessary loss of young lives in the fight for good governance. “It doesn’t have to be like this. The blood of our youth should not be shed for the government to listen to its people,” Sifuna remarked. He called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a public inquiry into the deaths during the nationwide protests and to prosecute the police officer responsible for Rex’s death.
