On 25 June, young Kenyans-mostly Gen Z-plan to take to the streets again. They’re calling it a national day of remembrance and protest. The aim is clear: honor those killed in last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests and demand answers from the government.
“We cannot just move on,” said 23-year-old organiser Brian Otieno from Kisumu. “Young people were shot dead for asking questions. That should never be normal.”
Last year’s protests began as online outrage against new tax proposals. But they quickly spilled into the streets. The demonstrations, many led by teenagers and students, were met with tear gas, rubber bullets-and, in some cases, live ammunition.
At least 20 people were reported dead. Some families say their loved ones disappeared without a trace. Human rights groups say the real number could be higher.
A Generation Awakened
Unlike previous political protests in Kenya, last year’s uprising wasn’t driven by party slogans. There were no known leaders. It wasn’t tribal.
Instead, it was TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram that mobilised thousands. Young people used memes, music, and viral videos to draw national attention.
“It was raw. It was honest. It was ours,” said university student Zeynab Abdalla, 21, who protested in Mombasa last year. “We just wanted someone to listen.”
On Tuesday, many plan to wear black. Some will light candles. Others will march peacefully in major towns like Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru.
A Divided Response
Government officials have responded with caution. While some support the youth’s right to protest, others fear it could turn violent.
Moses Kuria, President Ruto’s adviser, urged restraint. “Death has become institutionalised in this country,” he said during a recent televised interview. “We must remember those we lost with dignity-not with more chaos.”
Opposition politicians, however, are standing with the youth. MP Caleb Amisi called for courage and calm. “Young people must never be silenced by fear,” he told reporters. “Let them express themselves-peacefully.”
The police, for their part, say they are ready. Nairobi police commander George Seda said officers will be deployed to “protect life and property” and ensure order.
But many Kenyans remain skeptical.
Still Waiting for Justice
A year on, few answers have been given to families who lost children in last year’s clashes. Autopsies have revealed bullets to the head and chest in several cases. Rights groups say there has been little movement from prosecutors.
Among the most shocking was the case of Boniface Kariuki, a 19-year-old shot near a petrol station in Mathare. Witnesses said he was unarmed. His mother, Jacinta Wanjiku, still waits for justice.
“No one has been arrested. No one has said sorry,” she said softly. “My son was just a boy.”
Several non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya, have called for an independent inquiry.
Eyes on Tuesday
For Kenya’s Gen Z, June 25 is more than a date. It marks a moment when their generation found its voice-and paid a heavy price for it.
This week, they plan to be back in public squares and city streets. Not to fight, they say, but to be heard.
“We’re not asking for too much,” said Otieno. “Just justice. And a country that sees us.”
As the world watches, Kenya faces a test: Will it listen to its youngest citizens-or silence them again?
