Kenya National Day of Remembrance:On June 25, 2025, Kenyans across all counties marched in remembrance of the 2024 protest victims and in protest against police brutality, economic hardship, and government unaccountability. Marked by tributes, social media activism, and renewed international concern, the demonstrations reflect a nation’s growing demand for justice and reform.
Kenya National Day of Remembrance: A Rising Tide of Outrage and Hope
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the streets of Kenya’s 47 counties swelled with voices, banners, and footsteps of citizens demanding justice. Marking the first anniversary of the tragic 2024 anti-finance bill protests, thousands of Kenyans rallied again — not just in remembrance of the bloodshed that stunned the nation, but to demand change in a country grappling with economic hardship, police brutality, and government indifference.
The echoes of last year’s protest, which erupted in fury against controversial tax hikes on essentials like bread, sanitary products, and cooking foil, still haunt the country. Those hikes had been perceived as deeply unjust by a population already straining under the weight of inflation and limited income. What followed then was more than just suppression; it was a massacre.
At least 60 civilians were killed, hundreds were injured, and dozens reportedly abducted by the authorities. The memory of that crackdown — brutal, unprovoked, and devastating — has not faded. Instead, it has festered into widespread resentment.
This year, that pain was reignited by a chilling incident — the custodial death of blogger Albert Odwang. A fierce government critic, Odwang was allegedly tortured after calling out a senior police officer. His suspicious death in custody, which many believe to be state-sanctioned retaliation, has become a potent symbol of unchecked police violence and the growing climate of fear.
The protests this Wednesday were not just an act of defiance but a solemn tribute. Led largely by Gen Z activists and supported by civil society organizations, Kenyans marched to honor the fallen — referred to as Mashujaa, or heroes — while also raising urgent demands for systemic reforms. They called for justice for victims of police brutality, meaningful economic relief for ordinary citizens, and real government accountability.
Despite police barricades, protestors managed to gather at key locations, including the central business district. What began as peaceful remembrance ceremonies — with candlelight vigils and heartfelt stories shared by grieving families — soon turned violent. Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. The show of force was a grim reminder of the very issue Kenyans had taken to the streets to protest.
The atmosphere was further thickened by a near-total media blackout, limiting traditional coverage of the unfolding events. But the resilience of the people pierced through the silence. Social media platforms became the frontline of truth, with users from Nairobi to Mombasa sharing live updates, images, and stories that mainstream media could not or would not carry.
International concern also loomed large. Just days before the protest, embassies of the United States, Britain, Canada, and other Western nations issued a joint statement on X (formerly Twitter). The statement urged all parties — protestors and authorities alike — to ensure peaceful demonstrations and to abstain from violence. Their message, though diplomatic, hinted at growing global scrutiny over Kenya’s domestic handling of dissent.
President William Ruto, who had earlier vowed to end the abduction of government critics, appeared unapologetic in a national address on Tuesday. In a speech that drew sharp criticism, he doubled down on his support for the police, failing to address the public’s core grievances and further inflaming tensions.
Yet, even in the face of government silence, police resistance, and economic despair, the Kenyan spirit remains unbroken. The people’s chant — “No Justice, No Peace” — rang loud across cities and townships, a resounding rejection of impunity. The fight for dignity, equity, and transparency is far from over. But on this National Day of Remembrance, one thing is clear: the people of Kenya are determined to write a new chapter for their nation, one where heroes are honored not just in death, but through justice in life.