ODPP presses IPOA to fast-track probe into Gen Z protest killings after BBC documentary
ODPP said several people had been captured on video or mentioned in the documentary and were of interest due to their presence during the incident.
The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to move swiftly in investigating claims of excessive police force during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024.
This comes after a BBC Africa Eye documentary revealed fresh details from videos and images captured by protesters and journalists during the demonstrations. The exposé reconstructed events surrounding the breach of Parliament and raised concerns about how the police responded to the protests.
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In a letter to IPOA dated April 28, 2025, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jacinta Nyamosi said the footage had shed light on what happened during the demonstrations and pointed to the need to pursue justice against those who may have broken the law.
“We are writing to bring to your attention the recent exposé aired by the BBC Africa Eye programme, which investigated protesters’ access to the Kenyan Parliament during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests. The publicly available programme highlights significant evidence and footage capturing the events that unfolded during that period,” Nyamosi said.
She explained that several people had been captured on video or mentioned in the documentary and were of interest due to their presence during the incident. Nyamosi added that the events were a matter of public concern because they touched on core democratic rights such as lawful assembly, free expression, and the accountability of public institutions.
“Given the clarity of some of the footage and testimonies in the documentary, the Director of Public Prosecutions directs that IPOA urgently initiate investigations into any misconduct or excessive use of force by law enforcement officers during the protests,” she said.
The DPP’s office further wants IPOA to take steps to protect those mentioned in the documentary and potentially rely on them to provide statements. It also directed that action be taken against anyone involved in the unlawful breach of the Parliament buildings.
“This programme raises serious concerns about potential breaches of public order, as well as the use of force, possible misconduct, and the accountability of those involved — including security forces and protest participants,” Nyamosi said.
She said IPOA should fully carry out its duty to investigate the events independently and submit its findings to the DPP for further review and action.
According to the BBC, the investigative team reviewed over 5,000 images to provide a detailed account of how events unfolded leading up to the breach of Parliament.
In an update on April 28, 2025, IPOA confirmed it had documented 60 deaths connected to the anti-Finance Bill protests. Out of those, 22 cases have been fully investigated, 36 are still under review, and two are currently being handled by the courts.
The DPP’s latest push adds pressure on IPOA to conclude its investigations and ensure justice is served for those affected by the unrest
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