DPP Deputy Director Jacinta Nyamosi [Judiciary/X]The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to hasten investigations into excessive use of force by the police during the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
This follows the BBC exposé that analysed videos and photos taken by protesters and journalists during the Gen-Z protests.
DPP Deputy Director Jacinta Nyamosi noted the exposé had shed light on how some of the events during the protests had unfolded, stressing that there was a need to hold those culpable of breaking the law at the time to account.
"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 stated.
Nyamosi said that based on the exposé, several individuals were of interest, given that they were captured on video or mentioned when the protesters accessed the Parliament buildings.
She added that the matter is of public interest and touches on the heart of the democratic values, which include the freedom of expression, lawful assembly, and institutional accountability.
"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 further wants IPOA to identify and bring to account the alleged perpetrators involved in the breach of Parliament, and ensure that witnesses mentioned or shown in the documentary are protected and potentially called upon to provide statements.
"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 said.
The Deputy Director said Ipoa should play its mandated role to independently and transparently investigate these events and forward the investigation file to the DPP for perusal and advice.
In the documentary, The BBC had analysed more than 5,000 images that showed an account of events that occurred leading to the breach of parliament.
Ipoa has since provided an update on its investigations into police conduct during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
In a statement on April 28, 2025, Ipoa said it had registered 60 deaths related to the protests.
Out of these, 22 investigations have been completed, 36 are ongoing, and two cases are before the courts.
