Pressure Mounts on DPP Renson Ingonga to Resign Over Prosecution of Violent Police in Anti-Government Protests

In the wake of escalating violence during anti-government protests in Kenya, calls for the resignation of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga are growing louder. Families of the victims continue to bury their loved ones, demanding justice for the unarmed demonstrators killed by police officers. The recent sentiments expressed by DPP Ingonga regarding the killings and the lack of witness statements have ignited further outrage, with leaders and citizens alike questioning his ability to deliver justice.

The funeral of 21-year-old Alex Muteti, one of the 60 Kenyans killed in the protests, served as a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering endured by the victims’ families. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo’s address at the burial encapsulated the widespread frustration, as he called for Ingonga’s resignation. “If that office is compromised, if you are intimidated and I believe you are, then you should resign,” Maanzo asserted, urging Parliament to take action if Ingonga does not step down voluntarily.

The calls for justice resonate deeply with the families, many of whom have lost loved ones or are caring for those injured by police brutality. The grief and anger were palpable as family members recounted their experiences. Rachel Wanjiru, an aunt to one of the victims, refuted claims that witnesses had withdrawn their statements. “Our witness has given statements to all departments,” Wanjiru declared, highlighting the intimidation faced by those seeking justice. Similarly, Edith Wanjiku, mother of another victim, emphasized the reluctance of police to hold their colleagues accountable. “They don’t want to take action against their own,” Wanjiku lamented, holding a bullet she believes was responsible for her child’s death.

On June 20th, a video captured a police officer shooting into a crowd in Nairobi’s Central Business District, a day marked by widespread protests. The bullet from this incident is believed to have killed Rex Masai. Despite the clear evidence, there has been no report on whether the officer responsible has been questioned. The DPP cited the absence of a primary witness statement as the reason for the delay, further fueling public outrage.

Instances of police impunity are not isolated. A video shows a police officer firing a teargas canister at journalists covering the protests. One journalist was injured in the incident. Frank Okoth, another protest victim, sustained six gunshot wounds during the June 25th protests and remains bedridden. Despite the clear evidence and severe injuries, no action has been taken against the officer who shot him.

The tragic case of Catherine Wanjeri, a Kameme TV Nakuru correspondent shot four times during the June 16th protests, underscores the pervasive lack of accountability. Despite allegations identifying the officer responsible, no arrests have been made, and Wanjeri continues to nurse her wounds at home.

Legal experts argue that the DPP has alternatives to ensure justice. Senator Maanzo pointed out that the law allows for public inquests into deaths, which could provide vital evidence. “Let the magistrate sit, let the public come and they will give you a report as to who killed Alex,” Maanzo urged, criticizing the DPP’s reliance on compromised police reports.

President William Ruto’s directive to release arrested protesters and detain rogue officers has yet to result in tangible action, leaving families to bear the burden of medical expenses and funerals. The public’s patience is wearing thin as they await justice for the victims of police violence, and the pressure on DPP Ingonga continues to mount.