NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 18 – The families of young Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests have announced plans for a nationwide remembrance march on June 25, renewing calls for justice, accountability and compensation nearly two years after the deadly demonstrations.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the parents of slain protester Rex Masai formally notified authorities of their intention to hold peaceful commemorations across all 47 counties on June 25, 2026.
The march, which organizers have dubbed “We Will Never Forget”, will see thousands of Kenyans gather to honour those who lost their lives during the Gen Z-led protests that shook the country in June 2024.
In Nairobi, participants are expected to march to Parliament and lay flowers at the site where several protesters were killed.
“Our children were exercising their constitutional right to protest and deliver petitions to public officers to challenge poor governance,” wrote Rex Masai’s parents, Gillian Munyao and Chrisphine Odawa.
The grieving parents accused security officers of using excessive force during the demonstrations.
“They were murdered in cold blood. Many of them were shot in the back while fleeing. Some were shot in the head to illustrate police intent was to kill, not to apprehend the protestors,” the letter states.
At the heart of the planned commemoration is a renewed push for accountability over the deaths, injuries, enforced disappearances and alleged human rights violations reported during the protests.
The families are demanding investigations, arrests and prosecutions of all officers found responsible for the killings and other abuses.
They are also calling for accountability from commanders who oversaw security operations during the demonstrations.
The June 25 events are expected to bring together parents, siblings, relatives, friends and supporters of those who died during the protests.
Beyond legal accountability, the families want the government to issue a formal public apology for the deaths and alleged violations committed during the demonstrations.
They are also seeking official recognition of the young protesters as national heroes.
Among their key demands is the declaration of June 25 as a national holiday and the construction of a national monument to honour what they describe as Kenya’s “Gen Z Mashujaa.”
Organizers say the day should serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by young Kenyans in the struggle for better governance.
The families are also demanding meaningful compensation for survivors and relatives of those who were killed or remain missing.
While acknowledging that no amount of money can replace lost lives, they argue that compensation can help restore dignity and support affected families.
“Money cannot bring back lives, but it can help restore dignity and support livelihoods,” the letter states.
They further want victims and survivors to be consulted on all forms of reparations, including efforts to trace missing persons and restore livelihoods disrupted by the protests.
The families are calling for reforms within the National Police Service, including retraining officers, strengthening accountability mechanisms and enhancing the powers of oversight institutions such as IPOA.
“Never again will the police kill innocent Kenyans,” the families said in their demands.
The organizers have urged police officers to respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully.
Under the banner #HakiSASA and #JusticeNow, participants are expected to carry Kenyan flags as they march in memory of those who died during the historic Gen Z protests.
