On Thursday, June 25, 2026, police interrupted a symbolic march in Nairobi, where opposition leaders and civil society activists gathered to honor the victims of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests.
Officers used a public address system to repeatedly urge the crowd to disperse.
Leading the march, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Willy Mutunga, Eugene Wamalwa, and James Orengo joined families and young activists to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
Carrying flowers and placards with victims’ names, the procession aimed to peacefully commemorate the second anniversary of the historic Gen Z-led protests, which escalated into a confrontation at Parliament on June 25, 2024, resulting in multiple casualties.
As the group moved towards Parliament, police blocked their path and ordered everyone to disperse, creating a brief standoff between the opposition leaders, activists, and security personnel.
Chaos erupted as security officers advanced on the gathering. In the confusion, Siaya Governor James Orengo escaped on a boda boda, while Martha Karua managed to enter her vehicle and leave as officers moved in.
During the commemoration, leaders criticized the government for trying to suppress public remembrance of the June 25, 2024 events, emphasizing that the victims’ sacrifices must not be forgotten.
The march occurred under heightened security in Nairobi, with major roads to the Central Business District and Parliament heavily barricaded to prevent unrest. Many businesses closed in the city center as authorities took precautions.
The June 25 anniversary has become a potent symbol for Kenya’s youth movement, with activists demanding justice for victims, accountability for alleged police misconduct, and ongoing governance reforms.
Amid the rising tensions, opposition leaders reaffirmed their commitment to honoring the victims and advocating for the protection of constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
