NAIROBI, Kenya — For Allan Ademba, 26, it was meant to be a routine day of protest coverage. Instead, it turned into a life-altering moment on the frontlines of Kenya’s bloodiest demonstrations in recent history.
A fourth-year broadcast journalism student at Mount Kenya University, Ademba found himself face-to-face with chaos during the June 25 protests — a day now etched into Kenya’s collective memory.
“I watched someone die right next to me,” Ademba told the BBC in its recent exposé, Blood Parliament. “There was blood everywhere. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
The protests, largely driven by Gen Z demonstrators, erupted over government tax hikes and broader frustration with President William Ruto’s leadership. Though largely peaceful at first, the day quickly turned violent outside Parliament, leaving at least 50 dead and hundreds injured, according to local human rights groups.
Ademba, a self-described “young journalist who loves his country,” was not only documenting the march but also participating in it. Armed with a camera and his convictions, he captured footage that many mainstream outlets missed — and later helped carry the bodies of those fatally shot.
“We lost over 50 strong, patriotic, young Kenyans,” he later wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “They had promising futures. Let us not forget their names — Eric, Rex, Denzel.”
His post was widely shared. Many hailed him a “silent hero.”
“The Ademba guy. Appreciation tweet for him. He was scared for his life but still carried the bodies and helped the injured,” one user wrote.
“Not all heroes wear capes,” said another.
But Ademba’s recognition hasn’t come without cost. A past photo shows him being assaulted by uniformed officers — a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists and protesters alike. He has faced online threats, and like many who joined the protests, he speaks of deep psychological scars.
“The trauma lingers,” he admitted. “But I had to do something. I couldn’t just stand there.”
BBC’s documentary offers a raw account of that day, featuring survivors, witnesses, and families of the victims. It includes footage of police firing at crowds, dragging wounded youths, and scenes of despair outside Nairobi’s central hospital.
The government has remained largely silent on the documentary. Officials continue to deny excessive use of force, while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched a formal inquiry. Human rights organisations have demanded transparency and justice.
“We are calling for an independent investigation,” said George Kegoro, a veteran legal analyst and advocate for civil liberties. “What happened on June 25 should never happen again.”
Ademba, for his part, is focused on the future. He plans to continue his work in journalism, though he says he’ll carry the weight of that day with him forever.
“We have a generation that will do anything for what they believe in,” he said. “If you believe in something, just fight for it.”
As tributes pour in, many Kenyans see Ademba as a symbol, not just of courage, but of a growing movement of young citizens who refuse to be silenced.
