NAIROBI — The memory of last year’s Gen Z protests still hangs heavily over Kenya. On Thursday, that memory drew thousands into the streets once more and with it, renewed calls for justice.
Siaya Governor James Orengo was among those who marked the anniversary. He moved through Nairobi on a motorbike, joining demonstrators in a show of solidarity that stretched across several cities.
“Today, I stood with courageous Kenyans in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and across the nation,” he said in a statement shared online. “We mark a moment that changed this country.”
The protests, first sparked in June 2024 over the now-infamous Finance Bill, quickly grew into a broader movement. Young Kenyans, many mobilised online, demanded accountability and an end to what they saw as heavy-handed governance. The demonstrations left a lasting mark, not least because of the lives lost.
On Thursday, commemorations were held in multiple towns. In Nairobi, groups made their way towards Parliament, where a wreath was laid in honour of those who died during last year’s unrest.
“Despite resistance, we marched to Parliament and laid a wreath for our fallen heroes,” Orengo said. “Their sacrifice still guides us.”
He also alleged that some groups involved in disrupting peaceful gatherings were backed by the state, a claim that has circulated widely among activists but has not been independently verified. Authorities have previously denied sponsoring any such actions.
Even so, the mood across the country was mixed. For some, it was a day of defiance. For others, a quieter moment of reflection at home.
“I salute every patriot who took to the streets,” Orengo added, “and every citizen who honoured this day from home.”
The governor described those who died as more than victims. “They tried to bury our youth; they forgot they were seeds,” he said. “The struggle for a just Kenya continues.”
Government officials have not issued a detailed response to Thursday’s remarks. In past statements, they have maintained that security forces act within the law and are tasked with maintaining order.
Still, the anniversary has underscored how deeply the events of 2024 continue to shape the national conversation. For many young Kenyans, the protests remain unfinished business — a symbol of both loss and possibility.
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