Gospel singer, human rights activist, and former presidential aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame has filed a high-profile petition at the High Court, seeking leave to privately prosecute senior government and security officials over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 and 2025 Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
Through Gitobu Imanyara & Company Advocates, Kigame is targeting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin, among others, accusing them of orchestrating or enabling a violent crackdown on largely peaceful demonstrators protesting against high taxation, rampant youth unemployment, and the surging cost of living.
The petition alleges that state agents, under the command or watch of the named officials, carried out a “widespread and systematic attack” on civilians. According to court filings, more than 90 people—many of them minors and university students, were killed, mostly by live police fire. The petition also details numerous cases of torture, enforced disappearances, abductions, and attacks on journalists and medical personnel.
Among the most disturbing cases cited are the fatal shooting of street vendor Boniface Kariuki in broad daylight and the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Kigame’s petition holds CS Murkomen, IG Koome, and DCI Director Amin individually accountable for failing to prevent or punish the use of lethal force and other abuses by officers under their command. He further accuses President William Ruto of allegedly directing police to “shoot protestors in the leg” and claims that Murkomen issued a “shoot-to-kill” order during the height of the unrest.
Despite mounting public outcry and evidence, including videos, eyewitness accounts, and autopsy reports, Kigame says the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has refused to investigate or prosecute those responsible, in violation of Kenya’s International Crimes Act.
He is now asking the court to allow him to initiate private prosecutions, arguing that the state’s inaction has fueled impunity and violated core constitutional rights, including the right to life, human dignity, peaceful assembly, and freedom from torture and inhumane treatment.
The petition also seeks court orders compelling law enforcement agencies to release all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage and post-mortem reports, and to provide protection for witnesses, victims, and their families. Kigame has further requested that the ODPP be directed to surrender any related prosecution files within 14 days.
The case is expected to reignite public debate over state accountability, police brutality, and the right to protest in a democratic society. The High Court has yet to announce a hearing date.
Written By Rodney Mbua
