Rights groups demand arrest of security officers linked to Gen Z protest killings

A new BBC documentary, Blood Parliament, has identified three officers, naming one specifically as having taken part in the killings near Parliament at the height of the protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says the government will issue an official response to the revelations on Tuesday.

The documentary retraces the movements of the murdered protesters during the demonstrations, tracking them in their final moments and reconstructing how they were killed. It also connects the shooters directly to their victims by matching locations, movements, and witness accounts.

One of the named officers is Job Kaboi from the Central Police Station, who is alleged to have encouraged colleagues to use lethal force. Another officer, whose face was deliberately concealed, is believed to have shot and killed David Chege, 39, and Erickson Mutisya, 25, just outside Parliament buildings.

Meanwhile, Eric Shieni, a 26-year-old University of Nairobi finance student, was shot in the head as he fled from Parliament grounds. He died instantly. His shooter, according to the BBC investigation, was identified as a member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

In the wake of these findings, human rights organisations are intensifying pressure on the government to act. During a press conference, one activist expressed frustration over the lack of accountability:

"Tumeshanga mpaka leo, mambo yako wazi. Ma Gen Z waliuawa, wengine wamepotezwa. Inaonyeshwa dunia nzima na hatuoni serikali ya Kenya ikitingika. Ni jambo la kuudhi, la kukera," they said — highlighting the widespread anger at the government's perceived inaction.

The government had earlier promised to investigate the killings and ensure those responsible were prosecuted. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 50 people were killed during the protests, with hundreds more injured and maimed.

However, activists are now questioning the effectiveness of accountability institutions like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). They argue IPOA lacks the teeth needed to take real action.

"Wito wetu ni kwamba serikali ya Kenya needs to review the powers given to the IPOA. Hatuwezi kusema kuwa IPOA ni independent na hawawezi hata shika mtu," another activist said.

Calls are growing not only for the arrest and prosecution of the three named officers but also for a wider investigation to identify and bring to justice others responsible for the killings during last year's protests.

Responding to the growing pressure, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured the public that the government is preparing an official statement.

"I will answer to that tomorrow in Nairobi. A statement is being worked on," Murkomen said.