Former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame has moved to court to initiate a private prosecution of top security officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The legal petition is in response to the alleged extrajudicial killings and severe human rights violations committed during the anti-government protests in 2024 and 2025.
During a press briefing on Thursday, July 31, Kigame accused the security chiefs of overseeing a campaign of "crimes against humanity" that resulted in the deaths of over 100 peaceful protesters and bystanders. He further alleged that numerous other individuals were abducted and tortured by state agents, with some later found dead.
The petition, filed at the High Court, seeks to obtain permission to prosecute the officials in the event that state agencies fail to take action.
Kigame said he is acting on behalf of the victims and their families, stressing that the petition is the first step toward holding the leaders accountable for the brutality meted out on unarmed civilians.
Kigame revealed his intention to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC). He warned that if the Kenyan judiciary fails to deliver justice for the victims of the protests, he is prepared to seek international intervention to ensure those responsible face trial for their alleged crimes.
“At Milimani Law Courts with my lawyer Gitobu Imanyara and comrade Alamin Kimathi earlier this morning to file a petition against Kenya’s top security bosses for their chain of command and callous detachment in the killing of over 100 citizens between 2024 and 2025," Kigame said.
"I intend to escalate the matter right to the International Criminal Court(ICC), so help me God.”
He argues that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has failed to act, despite being aware of the crimes. Because of this inaction, Kigame is asking the court for permission to initiate criminal proceedings himself.
Other than CS Murkomen and IG Kanja, the petition also names DCI boss Mohamed Amin, and National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji.
Kigame says these officials, who are responsible for national security, bear the greatest responsibility for crimes against humanity.
He added that the atrocities committed by the state against its citizens fall under the jurisdiction of the International Crimes Act, which allows the ICC to get involved.
He has listed 91 Kenyans who were killed, including Rex Kanyike Maasai.
"I am doing this on behalf of all parents whose children have been killed. No office or title grants immunity for such atrocities," he said.
