Why top four security bosses must face justice for Gen Z deaths

Renowned gospel singer and activist Reuben Kigame on Thursday sought court approval to privately prosecute Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of crimes against humanity during the 2024-2025 Gen Z protests.

Kigame is accusing Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin of orchestrating and permitting extra-judicial killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, torture, and the systematic suppression of peaceful protestors who took to the streets to oppose the 2024 Finance Bill, rising cost of living, and corruption in government.

In the petition filed at Milimani High Court, Kigame argues that these crimes occurring between June 2024 and July 2025 warrant immediate prosecution and accountability.

He seeks court permission to prosecute the officials, alleging the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) failed to initiate criminal proceedings against the police chiefs.

“The petitioner notified the first respondent [DPP] of his inaction which constitutes a dereliction of duty and called upon him to exercise his independent mandate without fear, favour, prejudice, or political consideration,” the court filing reads. 

“The first respondent has neither responded to the Petitioner’s letter nor taken any action.”

Kigame is also seeking a declaration from the court allowing him to initiate proceedings at the International Criminal Court, stating that the State’s response constitutes crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.

“Unless the perpetrators are prosecuted at the earliest opportunity, there will be a clear likelihood of a failure of public and private justice,” he said,

“A grave social evil is being allowed to flourish unchecked because of the inaction of the pusillanimous prosecutor or police force guilty of a capricious, corrupt or biased failure to prosecute.”

Kigame’s petition includes a detailed account of state-sponsored brutality during the Gen Z-led protests that erupted in response to the 2024 Finance Bill, which proposed steep tax increases. 

He says at least 100 people were killed, while more than 400 others were injured in what he termed a “widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population.”

“These killings involved the intentional use of live ammunition against non-violent civilians,” the petition reads.

 “Numerous individuals were forcibly abducted by persons believed to be state agents or acting under state authority.”

 “Some were arrested, tortured and released while some were arrested, tortured and killed,” he says. 

“At least sixty-one (61) individuals have been detained at different police stations countrywide, most of them in Nairobi County.”

Kigame further cited the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which reported 39 confirmed deaths, 361 injuries and 39 abductions in its press release dated 1 July 2024.

“Despite the High Court prohibiting the use of teargas on peaceful protesters in Constitutional Petition No. E009 OF 2024, police deployed heavy use of tear gas,” Kigame stated. 

“Specific targeting of medical centres, which had been set in and around the central district, was also noted.”

The petition details the state’s orders and political messaging. For instance, CS Murkomen reportedly issued a de facto “shoot-to-kill” order, and other officials vowed such protests would never be permitted again-statements in conflict with constitutional protections under Article 37. 

As of early July 2025, over 100 peaceful protesters and bystanders were alleged to have been extra-judicially killed by state agents, predominantly NPS personnel. Many more were detained, tortured, or disappeared.

Kigame’s motion emphasizes the systematic nature of these actions, arguing that they form part of a widespread and coordinated attack on a civilian group engaged in lawful protest and political dissent.

The petition notes widespread condemnation of the state response: Rights activists called on Kenyans to unite across tribal, ethnic, and political lines. As Hanifa Adan posted on X:

“Let’s stand together as brothers and sisters tomorrow, united in solidarity ... May the Lord shield us from violence, political interference, and most of all, from the brutality of blood-thirsty police.

On 24 June 2025, envoys from 12 countries,  the US and UK, issued a joint statement supporting “every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves and urged authorities

Kigame wants the court to issue several key orders, including permission to prosecute the Interior CS, IG of Police, NIS Director General, and DCI Chief.

He also seeks an order compelling the NPS and DCI to release “all evidence, including ballistics, CCTV footage, autopsy reports.”

Kigame is also seeking orders directing the  to the DPP to surrender the prosecution file within 14 days.

 “An order granting the petitioner leave to commence private prosecution... and compelling the NIS and DCI to release all evidence of ballistics, CCTV, autopsy reports and to provide witness protection to survivors and families.”

According to the petition, the Gen Z protests began in June 2024 in opposition to the Finance Bill and evolved into broader demonstrations demanding economic justice and government accountability.

On 25 June 2024, protesters stormed Parliament in an unprecedented act.

“That day alone, over 405 people were arrested, and hundreds injured. Between 24–28 June 2024, the protests saw: 86 injuries,17 deaths, 23 abductions, 53 arrests, “ the court papers states.

The KNCHR confirmed that six protesters were shot and killed outside Parliament. Police reportedly used live bullets, rubber bullets, and water cannons, even after court orders had forbidden excessive force.

“Police conduct included heavy concealment of identity, which was marked by the widespread use of balaclavas, masks, and unmarked vehicles,” Kigame’s petition states.

Despite mounting public outrage and a court-ordered reversal, the Communications Authority had instructed TV stations to stop broadcasting the protests, violating constitutional guarantees of press freedom.

 “This action directly violates Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom and prohibits state interference,” said Kigame, citing Article 35(1)(b) on access to public information.

By June 2025, demonstrations resumed in commemoration of the previous year’s killings. 

The death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody inflamed tensions. During subsequent protests, a vendor, Boniface Kariuki, was shot by police at close range. Three officers were later charged with Ojwang’s murder.

On 25 June 2025, protests reignited. Despite public statements by Interior CS Murkomen and Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura that it would be “business as usual,” Parliament and State House were barricaded with razor wire.

“Most fatalities and injuries resulted from police firing at protesters,” the petition asserts. 

“As of June 26 2025, a total of sixteen people were reported killed, and over 400 were injured.”

Kigame has alson highlighted that many protest organizers were abducted or went missing, with some found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Kigame also referenced controversial statements by government allies that may have fueled state brutality.

Accordinmg to Kigame,  President Ruto reportedly directed police to “shoot protestors on the leg,” while CS Murkomen allegedly issued a de facto “shoot-to-kill” order.

“Over 100 peaceful protesters and bystanders have been extra-judicially killed... Many were subjected to severe torture, and several remain unaccounted for,” the petition concludes.

He concludes by urging the court to act in the face of the DPP’s “culpable failure” to prosecute the state officials.

“The country cannot turn a blind eye to the recent murders, torture and abductions of its citizens exercising their rights to protest, as it goes against the very core values of the nation.”

The petition is pending hearing.