NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that only three of the 62 deaths linked to the 2024 Gen Z protests have reached court, with the majority of cases still under investigation nearly two years after the demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Monday, the authority said the three cases currently before the courts are the only ones that have met the evidentiary and prosecutorial thresholds required for criminal proceedings.
“The three cases before court are those in which the evidence and prosecutorial thresholds have been met, enabling criminal proceedings to commence,” IPOA said.
Status of Investigations
According to the oversight body, three additional cases have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and direction.
Another case is undergoing internal legal review, while five cases were closed following directions from the ODPP. Four others were closed internally after review.
IPOA said the remaining 46 cases are still at different stages of investigation.
The authority issued the update amid growing public pressure for accountability over deaths and injuries reported during the anti-government protests that swept across the country in 2024.
Why the Cases Are Taking Longer
IPOA attributed the delays to the complexity of the investigations, particularly those requiring forensic and ballistic analysis.
The authority said it relies on specialised institutions, including the Government Chemist and the National Forensic Laboratory, to process critical evidence needed to establish responsibility.
It also cited challenges related to insufficient evidence and legal requirements that must be satisfied before prosecution can proceed.
According to IPOA, the completion of investigations does not automatically lead to criminal charges, noting that some files are closed where available evidence is deemed insufficient to support prosecution.
More Protest Death Cases Added
The authority disclosed that it has also registered 27 deaths linked to the June 2025 Gen Z Memorial demonstrations.
Of those cases, one has already reached court, while 26 remain under active investigation.
IPOA further reported that 38 deaths were recorded during the July 2025 Saba Saba protests. Two of those files have been closed internally, while investigations continue in the remaining 36 cases.
In total, the authority said the three protest events generated 127 death cases requiring investigation.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of June 25 Demonstrations
The update comes as preparations continue for planned demonstrations on June 25, with human rights groups, victims’ families, and civil society organisations continuing to demand accountability for deaths linked to previous protests.
IPOA said it is pursuing several measures aimed at accelerating investigations, including reducing case backlogs, recruiting additional investigators, and strengthening collaboration with partner institutions.
