Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday led a group of opposition leaders in a solemn remembrance of the Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during the June 25, 2024 demonstrations in Nairobi.
The leaders walked to Parliament Road, carrying wreaths and candles to honour the youth killed during last year’s anti-government protests, which were sparked by opposition to the controversial Finance Bill.
Addressing the media at the site, Kalonzo Musyoka stated, “Today, we just want to remember these young people. We intend to lay wreaths in their memory.”
He emphasized that even if they were denied access to Parliament, the day should be properly commemorated as a national holiday in the future.
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The leaders were only able to lay the wreaths at the razor wire barricade, as police had cordoned off Parliament and blocked all roads leading to Parliament Square in anticipation of renewed protests.
Kalonzo praised Kenyans for choosing to stay at home in solidarity with the victims, noting that the atmosphere in Nairobi resembled a public holiday, with barricades and heightened security across the city.
He reiterated his earlier appeal for June 25 to be recognized as ‘Gen Z Revolution Day’ to honour the young Kenyans who “stood weaponless against tyranny and gave everything for the Kenya they believed in”.
The memorial event followed an interdenominational service at All Saints Cathedral attended by former Chief Justice David Maraga, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and other prominent opposition figures.
The service, organized under the banner ‘Lest We Forget June 25,’ featured scripture readings, moments of silence, and tributes, calling for national reflection, justice, and healing.
Security was tight throughout Nairobi, with Parliament and State House ringfenced by razor wire and police in full riot gear, reflecting the government’s concern over possible unrest. The heavy deployment comes exactly one year after Gen Z protesters stormed Parliament, resulting in several deaths and injuries.
Families of the victims were expected to present memoranda to Parliament and the office of the President, demanding justice for their loved ones. Civil society groups and youth activists urged participants to hold peaceful demonstrations, while Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja called for non-violence and respect for the law.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 60 people died and hundreds were injured during the June-July 2024 protests due to excessive use of force by police7. In May 2025, President William Ruto publicly apologized to the Gen Z youth, expressing regret for any grievances suffered under his administration.
As the anniversary unfolded, it remained unclear whether opposition leaders would be allowed to proceed with further commemorative ceremonies, as police maintained a strong presence to prevent demonstrators from accessing the legislature12. The day’s events underscored ongoing demands for accountability, justice, and the recognition of June 25 as a day of national remembrance for Kenya’s youth movement.
