The petitioners, members of the Justice and Equity Council, accuse senior officials in the National Police Service of failing to protect citizens and uphold constitutional rights.
Through Kebris Law Advocates LLP, they have sued the Inspector General of Police, two Deputy Inspectors General, the Director of Criminal Investigations, the National Police Service Commission, and the Attorney General.
Citizens challenge Kenya’s top police officials
The petitioners, Sebastian Ochieng Onyango, Janet Mbithe Wambua, Job Omondi, Macharia Mbugua, and Michael Okuto, argue that Kenya experienced a serious human rights crisis between June 2024 and June 2025.
They claim that more than 80 people were killed during this period, while others suffered injuries, arrests, and alleged enforced disappearances.
The group says the reported cases require urgent legal action to protect citizens and prevent further violations.
Petition accuses police of failing accountability
According to the petition, police leadership failed to ensure accountability for officers accused of misconduct.
The petitioners claim that some officers involved in alleged abuses were not investigated or punished.
They also accuse security agencies of failing to cooperate fully with oversight institutions responsible for monitoring police conduct.
The petition argues that public officers must operate within the limits of the Constitution and respect the rights of citizens.
Victims highlighted in court petition
The case mentions several victims whose deaths attracted public attention during protests and security operations.
They include 17-year-old Dan Kakai, Rex Maasai, and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang.
The petitioners argue that these cases represent wider concerns about the protection of life, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.
They want the court to ensure that victims and their families receive justice.
Petitioners seek police reforms
The Justice and Equity Council wants the court to order investigations into officers linked to alleged killings and disappearances.
They are also seeking measures to strengthen accountability within the National Police Service.
Additionally, the petitioners want police agencies to work closely with institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
They argue that reforms are necessary to rebuild public trust in security institutions.
Court battle could reshape police accountability
The case has attracted attention from human rights groups and governance experts because of the issues it raises.
A decision in favour of the petitioners could influence future discussions on police reforms and the responsibility of senior security officials.
For the petitioners, the case is about ensuring that no public office holder operates above the law.
The High Court will now determine whether the allegations require further action and what steps should be taken to protect citizens’ constitutional freedoms.
