'No prosecutions yet': DPP issues update on Gen Z protest deaths after BBC’s 'Blood Parliament' report

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has released an update on investigations into deaths and injuries that occurred during the Gen Z protests of June 2024, many of which were highlighted in the BBC documentary dubbed ‘Blood Parliament’.

ODPP in a statement on Wednesday stated that it received 16 inquiry files from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) since June 19, 2024, relating to the alleged police misconduct and suspicious deaths linked to the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

The ODPP reviewed each case and issued directions, including prosecution, further investigation, closure, or public inquests.

In the breakdown of the status of the cases, ODPP says three death cases are in the public inquest stage, four are ongoing investigations, nine files have been closed, and out of the 16 files, no cases have yet proceeded to formal prosecution.

Public Inquest

According to the statement, the case of Rex Kanyike Masai, who died from a gunshot wound to the thigh and was seen as a catalyst for the Gen Z protests, remains under a public inquiry. So far, eight witnesses have testified, with 12 more pending.

The ODPP revealed that the DCI Parklands has opened an inquest into the death of Sammy Cullen Maina, whose body was found at the City Mortuary with multiple organ injuries before the protests began.

Although the cause of death was initially ruled a traffic accident, the new investigation follows the Blood Parliament report, which raised allegations of organ trafficking.

Similarly, the death of Evans Kiratu Karobia from blunt force trauma in Nairobi CBD on June 20, 2024, is being investigated through a public inquest, with the next hearing date set for June 18, 2025.

The case of Dominic Wanjala Mutua, a journalist who was injured by a teargas canister allegedly fired by police, is pending further forensic analysis, including video verification, while that of Gianna Markel Obonyo, who was shot in her family compound, awaits completion of a ballistic examination.

According to ODPP’s policy guidelines, the case of Anthony Mwangi, who was involved in an officer-on-officer shooting, is under diversion, and that of Andrew Mwawasi, who was shot in Githurai, is still under active review by the ODPP. The matter awaits final reports from IPOA and the Internal Affairs Unit.

Among the cases closed are that of Tillan Odhiambo, Lewis Mroso (inquest opened despite closure), Frankline Ondwari, Emmanuel Giggs Tata, Anthony Mwangi and Sammy Cullen Maina (initially closed, later reopened for inquest).

Others include Evans Kiratu Karobia (referred to inquest), Rex Kanyike Masai (referred to inquest) and Andrew Mwawasi (still under review).

The ODPP has since appealed to the public to assist in resolving unresolved deaths by providing eyewitness testimony or forensic leads. It emphasises the need for a “whole-of-society” approach to justice in the aftermath of the June 25 protests, stating that a legal process alone may be insufficient.