The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has issued a comprehensive update on the status of cases arising from the Gen Z protests that swept Kenya in June 2024.

The statement, dated April 30, 2025, details the progress made in reviewing files submitted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding deaths and injuries linked to the protests.

According to the ODPP, since June 19, 2024, multiple inquiry files have been received from IPOA, each relating to incidents during the nationwide protests.

The ODPP has responded to these files with a range of directives, including ordering further investigations, referring some matters for public inquests, and, in several cases, closing files where evidence was insufficient or police involvement could not be established.

Among the highlighted cases is the death of Evans Kiratu Karobia, who succumbed to injuries in Nairobi’s CBD on June 20, 2024. The case was referred to a public inquest, with proceedings ongoing.

Similarly, the death of Rex Kanyike Masai, who died from a gunshot wound, is under public inquest after key witnesses failed to come forward and CCTV footage proved inconclusive.

Other cases, such as the shooting of Gianna Markel Obonyo and the alleged shooting of Andrew Mwawasi, remain under review pending further forensic or investigative reports.

In several instances, including the deaths of Tillan Odhiambo and Lewis Mroso, the ODPP directed closure of files based on IPOA recommendations and lack of evidence linking police to the incidents.

The ODPP also addressed the unprecedented nature of the June 25, 2024 events, acknowledging that public inquests alone may not fully address the underlying causes. The office called for a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to comprehensively resolve the issues.

The statement urges members of the public with relevant information to record statements with IPOA, emphasizing the importance of witness cooperation in ascertaining the facts.

The ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses and to uphold justice in all pending cases.

ALSO READ:Police officers managing demonstrations must be in uniform, court rules