Five Gen Z protest-related cases closed, others still under review - ODPP
Four other cases are still under investigation or awaiting further action, and two referred to public inquests set for mention or hearing in the coming weeks.
More than 10 months after the June 2024 Gen Z protests rocked the country, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has disclosed the status of 11 cases arising from the demonstrations, with five already closed, four still under investigation or awaiting further action, and two referred to public inquests set for mention or hearing in the coming weeks.
In a statement on Wednesday, ODPP outlined the status of files received from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding deaths and injuries that occurred during the nationwide protests, particularly those linked to alleged police misconduct.
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Among the cases still under investigation is that of journalist Dominic Wanjala Mutua, who was reportedly struck by a teargas canister fired at close range by a police officer on June 18, 2024, while covering protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The ODPP said it returned the file to IPOA for further investigations, including verification of a video allegedly capturing the moment of the assault.
The deaths of Rex Kanyike Masai and Evans Kiratu Karobia have been referred to public inquests due to inconclusive evidence. Kiratu died from blunt force trauma injuries on June 20, 2024, and with no witness testimony available, the case was filed as MCCR Inquest No. E008 of 2024, with one witness having testified and seven more expected. The inquest is scheduled for mention on June 18, 2025.
Masai, who died from a gunshot wound to the left thigh, is the subject of MCCR Inquest No. E015 of 2024. According to ODPP, eight witnesses have so far testified, and 12 more are lined up to appear. The hearing continues on May 12 and 19, 2025.
The ODPP noted that the key witness who was reportedly with Masai at the time has not yet recorded a statement, and CCTV footage was inconclusive.
In the case of Gianna Markel Obonyo, who was reportedly shot in the lower back while cycling in her parents’ compound on June 25, 2024, the ODPP said it was awaiting a ballistic report from Kenyatta National Hospital.
“Further directions will be given once the investigation file is resubmitted with the report,” read the statement.
Demonstrators in the Nairobi CBD during Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill in June 2024. (Photo: File)
Andrew Mwawasi, who was reportedly shot in Githurai 44, is also among the cases still under review by the ODPP, with appropriate action expected soon.
In a case involving a police-on-police shooting, the ODPP directed that the matter involving Anthony Mwangi be subjected to diversion in accordance with the ODPP Diversion Policy and Guidelines. The office is awaiting updates from IPOA and the Internal Affairs Unit.
Further, five cases have been closed based on findings of no police involvement or insufficient evidence.
Tillan Odhiambo’s case was closed after the pathologist’s report found no evidence disclosing an offense. Lewis Mroso’s file was also closed due to a lack of evidence linking police to the death and the absence of eyewitnesses.
In the case of Sammy Cullen Maina, whose injuries were found to be consistent with a traffic accident, ODPP said IPOA recommended closure, and the police have since taken over further investigations.
Frankline Ondwari’s death was ruled a suspected suicide following his release from custody, with allegations of police abduction found to be unsubstantiated. Emmanuel Giggs Tata’s file was closed after it was established that there was no police involvement, although the DPP noted the case could be reopened if new information arises.
The ODPP reiterated its commitment to accountability and justice, urging the public to provide any information that could assist in pending cases.
“The DPP reiterates his calls upon the public or any other person with information pertaining to any of the pending cases to come forward and record a statement with IPOA. This will enable the state to ascertain the cause of the injuries noted in the post-mortem report,” reads the statement.
The ODPP also emphasised that a purely legal approach might not be sufficient to address the broader issues highlighted by the protests.
“The events of 25th June 2024 were unprecedented, and hence, a public inquest on its own may not wholly address the issues. To address all the underlying causes, a strictly judicious and prosecutorial process on its own may not be sufficient. A whole-of-society approach may be needed,” it said.
The ODPP’s update comes just days after it directed IPOA to accelerate investigations into claims of excessive police force during the June 25, 2024, Gen Z-led protests. This followed the release of a BBC Africa Eye documentary that reconstructed the events of that day using footage and testimonies from protesters and journalists.
Police officers confront a protestor on June 25, 2024 during the anti-Finance Bill protests. The police have warned the public about potential protests planned for Thursday, November 21, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi)
In a letter dated April 28, 2025, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jacinta Nyamosi stated that the exposé provided “significant evidence and footage” that could help establish the facts of what transpired.
“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,” Nyamosi said.
“The publicly available programme highlights significant evidence and footage capturing the events that unfolded during that period.”
She noted that some individuals captured on video or named in the documentary are now persons of interest, adding that the incident touched on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“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,” Nyamosi said.
She also directed IPOA to ensure protection for witnesses and to act against any person involved in the unlawful breach of Parliament.
“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,” she added.
The BBC said its investigative team reviewed over 5,000 images to build a comprehensive reconstruction of the day’s events.
On its part, IPOA reported that it had documented 60 deaths linked to the anti-Finance Bill protests, with 22 fully investigated, 36 still under review, and two currently before the courts.
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