Activist and former presidential candidate Dr. Reuben Kigame has filed a petition in the High Court seeking to privately prosecute senior government officials for alleged crimes against humanity during the Gen Z-led protests of 2024 and 2025.
In the petition, filed through Gitobu Imanyara & Company Advocates, Kigame names Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin as key officials responsible for a brutal and systematic crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.
The protests, which were largely driven by young Kenyans mobilized online, emerged in response to mounting frustrations over high taxation, youth unemployment, and the rising cost of living. Kigame argues that the government’s response amounted to a coordinated assault on civilians, resulting in widespread killings, torture, and disappearances.
According to the petition, more than 90 people including minors and university students were killed, with many victims allegedly shot by police using live ammunition. Notable cases include the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, and the public shooting of street vendor Boniface Kariuki.
Kigame claims the named officials failed to prevent or punish these actions, thereby violating both domestic and international law. He further alleges that President William Ruto issued a directive for police to shoot protestors in the leg, and that CS Murkomen ordered a “shoot-to-kill” policy.
Despite formal complaints and what Kigame describes as overwhelming public evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has reportedly failed to initiate any investigations or prosecutions under the International Crimes Act. Kigame now seeks court approval to undertake a private prosecution, citing the state’s inaction as a betrayal of constitutional guarantees such as the right to life, dignity, peaceful protest, and protection from torture.
Kigame’s petition also asks the court to compel the police to release autopsy reports, CCTV footage, and other relevant evidence, and to ensure witness protection for survivors and victims’ families. He further wants the DPP ordered to hand over the prosecution file within 14 days.
