Singer Reuben Kigame seeks prosecution of Murkomen, top security chiefs for Gen Z protest killings

In his petition, filed through Gitobu Imanyara & Company Advocates, Kigame accuses the named officials and other state actors of orchestrating or enabling a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators protesting high taxes, mass youth unemployment, and rising living costs.

The protests, which were largely led by young Kenyans mobilized online, were met with what Kigame describes as a "widespread and systematic attack" by state agents, resulting in civilian deaths, torture, abduction, and disappearances.

According to the petition, more than 90 people, including minors and university students, were killed, many of them by live police gunfire. 

It further details cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of journalists and medics. Among the high-profile cases cited is the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody, and the shooting of street vendor Boniface Kariuki by police in full public view.

Kigame holds the Interior CS, the DCI Director, and the IG of Police individually accountable, claiming that they not only oversaw the use of lethal force but also failed to prevent or punish crimes committed while under their command. 

He also accuses President William Ruto of issuing a directive for police to shoot protestors in the leg, and claims that CS Murkomen issued a "shoot-to-kill" order.

Despite formal requests and overwhelming public evidence, Kigame claims that the Director of Public Prosecutions has refused to conduct any investigations or prosecutions under the International Crimes Act. 

He therefore seeks the court's permission to pursue private prosecution, arguing that the state's failure to act has fueled a culture of impunity and undermined constitutional protections such as the right to life, dignity, peaceful assembly, and freedom from torture.

The petition also seeks court orders compelling the police and investigative agencies to release all relevant evidence, including autopsy reports and CCTV footage, and to guarantee witness protection for survivors and families of victims. 

He also asks the court to order the DPP to surrender the relevant prosecution file within 14 days.