Human rights advocate Hussein Khalid has stated that Kenya cannot genuinely celebrate its independence while individuals affected by the Gen Z protests are still awaiting fairness, disclosure, and restitution.
Communicating via X on Friday, December 13, 2025, after the national Jamhuri Day festivities, the executive director of Vocal Africa opted to observe the public holiday not through official ceremonies, but by standing with families whose lives were profoundly altered by the demonstrations.
Khalid emphasized that the occasion should serve as a time for contemplation rather than mere celebration, stressing that a nation’s liberty must be judged by how it cares for its most defenseless residents. He contended that for families who endured losses or are still healing from physical and emotional wounds from the protests, true independence remains elusive.
In his remarks, Khalid clarified that the assembly united victims and their families to plan a course of action, particularly after a recent judicial decision mandated the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to spearhead efforts concerning fairness and restitution.
“I passed my national holiday with those impacted by the Gen Z protests and their families,” he shared. “They gathered to deliberate on the subsequent actions following the recent court instruction for KNCHR to address the matter of fairness and redress for them.”
Numerous human rights organizations participated in the gathering, demonstrating increasing collaboration among civil society groups advocating for accountability. Khalid noted that the attendance of prominent figures emphasized the gravity of the situation and the collective determination to make certain that those who suffered are not overlooked once public interest diminishes.
“Among those present at the meeting were representatives from VOCAL Africa, Boniface Mwangi, Shakira Wanjira, the KNCHR, and Amnesty Kenya, among others,” he noted.
The conversations, according to Khalid, centered on actionable measures to advance the initiative, moving beyond mere declarations and promises. He indicated that the families expressed their requirements unequivocally and were resolved to seek fairness through legitimate and organized interaction with bodies tasked with safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
One key result, Khalid stated, was the agreement to form a compact group that will directly liaise with the KNCHR in the near future. The objective, he remarked, is to guarantee that pledges are fulfilled and to sustain impetus on the entities responsible for providing fairness.
“Regarding the next steps,” he documented, “a compact committee was approved that will convene with KNCHR shortly to track progress on disclosure, fairness, and restitution.”
Khalid’s statements emerge amidst increasing appeals from advocates and relatives of those affected, who maintain that national festivities feel empty as long as responsibility for previous wrongdoings remains unresolved.
