A Kenyan Gen Z demonstrating on commemoration of Gen Zs who died last year
Kenyan cities erupted on June 25 as Generation Z flooded the streets in a defiant, coordinated protest, marking one year since the deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. From Nairobi to Mombasa, Eldoret to Kisii, thousands of young Kenyans turned mourning into a movement demanding justice, reform, and an end to police brutality, unemployment, and corruption.
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What began as a solemn commemoration of the Kenyans killed last year escalated into unrest. At least eight people were confirmed dead and more than 400 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
In Nairobi’s Central Business District, young protesters waved Kenyan flags and placards reading “We are the voice” and “RutoMustGo.” Kenyatta Avenue became the epicentre of resistance, echoing with chants, sirens, tear gas and gunfire, as police clashed with crowds near the Parliament and State House . Kenyatta National Hospital treated over 100 patients, including several with gunshot wounds. The Kenya Medical Association identified at least eight cases involving live ammunition.
But violence spread beyond Nairobi. In Matuu (Machakos), a protester was killed by police gunfire while attempting to breach a station. In Molo and Ol Kalou, three more loss of life occurred, with dozens wounded by live rounds. Protests in Kisumu and Homa Bay saw tire-burning demonstrations and tensions involving alleged infiltrators.
Along Moi Avenue in Mombasa, mourners lit candles and laid flowers for victims, including Rex Masai, a face of last year’s protests. The ceremony served as a stark reminder: “this generation mourns publicly but mobilises powerfully”.
The government’s response included orders for a media blackout, blocking live coverage of the protests. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga condemned the censorship as unconstitutional and a threat to press freedom. International observers also called for respect for court rulings that the deployment of plainclothes police at protests is unlawful .
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The Kenya National Human Rights Commission and Amnesty Kenya publicly condemned the deaths, stating that most fatalities resulted from police action. Among the dead was Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, a security guard shot while on duty a sign of how chaotic events had become in urban centres .
Political reactions reflected deep divisions. Senator Karen Nyamu and former unionist Wilson Sossion dismissed the protests as politically hijacked. But from the streets, the message remained clear from young demonstrators: they are tired of waiting
