Faith Nyasuguta
Kenyans are taking to the streets today, Wednesday, June 25, to mark the first anniversary of the dramatic storming of Parliament during last year’s anti-government protests. While the planned processions, vigils and digital campaigns are largely peaceful in intention, the day is clouded by deep fears of unrest.
The protests, both online and on the ground, are being led by young Kenyans, rights activists and families of those killed or missing during last year’s deadly demonstrations. They have declared the date a “people’s public holiday” in honour of those who lost their lives. On June 25, 2024, demonstrators overwhelmed police and breached Parliament, protesting against proposed tax hikes under the now-withdrawn Finance Bill.
What began as a peaceful movement quickly turned violent following a forceful police response. At least 60 people were killed, with many more injured or allegedly abducted and disappeared.
In the aftermath, President William Ruto scrapped the controversial tax proposals and reshuffled his cabinet in a bid to form a more inclusive, “broad-based” government. Despite these concessions, public resentment lingers. Many Kenyans feel little has changed – police brutality continues, economic hardship persists and government accountability remains elusive.
This year’s anniversary comes amid renewed outrage following the death of a teacher doubling as a blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody earlier this month. Ojwang had reportedly criticised a senior police officer online before being arrested. Authorities claimed he committed suicide, but an independent autopsy revealed fatal assault injuries. Public fury grew last week when a masked officer was caught on video shooting hawker Boniface Kariuki at point-blank range during a protest. Kariuki remains in critical condition.
The issues that sparked last year’s protests -corruption, police violence, youth unemployment, and high living costs – still dominate public discourse. According to political analyst Mikhail Nyamweya, the government has failed to restore trust, especially among the youth, who feel unheard and suppressed. “Despite promises of reform, the Kenyan youth view the state as incapable of delivering and always quick to suppress dissent through coercive means,” he said.
On Wednesday, demonstrators plan to march toward Parliament and the president’s office in Nairobi, laying flowers and lighting candles in memory of victims. Similar activities are planned in other cities. However, human rights groups and foreign diplomats have raised alarm over the potential for violence. A joint statement from 12 embassies – including the US, UK, and Germany – urged the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and avoid using violence.
Concerns have also been raised over the presence of so-called “goons” – plainclothes men who infiltrate protests, allegedly attacking peaceful demonstrators. Protesters claim these individuals are backed by state or political interests, aiming to discredit the movement and provoke chaos. Similar tactics were reportedly used during the recent demonstrations over Ojwang’s death.
Security has been heightened in Nairobi. Police have cordoned off key areas, including the parliamentary precincts. Nairobi regional police commander George Seda has urged protestors to maintain calm and remain peaceful, warning against disruption. Interior Ministry officials have echoed the call, though their tone has been more stern. Some government officials, including Ruto’s economic adviser David Ndii, have come under fire for making inflammatory remarks online. Ndii warned protesters on X, formerly Twitter, to “say your goodbyes before you leave home” if they decide to show up.
Religious leaders have joined calls for peace. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops criticised the police’s heavy-handedness. “A society that instils fear in its youth for simply speaking out is a society walking away from justice,” said Archbishop Anthony Muheria. “The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to threaten, silence, or punish them.”
Rights activist Hanifa Adan posted a message of solidarity online, encouraging Kenyans to stand united: “Let’s look out for one another and protect each other. May the Lord shield us from violence, political interference, and most of all, from the brutality of bloodthirsty police.”
As Kenya marks this solemn anniversary, the country stands at a crossroads. Whether today becomes a peaceful day of remembrance or devolves into another episode of chaos will depend largely on how both protesters and authorities handle the moment. For many Kenyans, this is not just about remembering the past – it is a renewed demand for justice, dignity, and change.
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