NAIROBI, Kenya — Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on police and other security agencies to exercise maximum restraint during the planned Gen Z memorial processions scheduled for June 25, urging authorities to protect citizens’ constitutional rights and avoid a repeat of the violence that marked last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a statement issued on Wednesday ahead of the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations, Kalonzo said Kenyans gathering to commemorate those who lost their lives during the protests should be allowed to assemble peacefully without intimidation, disruption or excessive use of force.
“I also call on the police and all security agencies to exercise maximum restraint tomorrow and in the days ahead. Demonstrators must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without interference from hired goons, excessive force, or live ammunition,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President said the memorial events are intended to honour young Kenyans who participated in last year’s demonstrations and those who died, were injured, arrested or allegedly disappeared during the unrest.
Call to protect constitutional rights
Kalonzo argued that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and picketing, adding that security agencies have a legal obligation to facilitate rather than obstruct lawful public gatherings.
He described the Gen Z-led movement as a defining moment in Kenya’s democratic journey, saying it reflected growing demands by young people for accountability, transparency and greater public participation in governance.
“The youth-led protests became an important chapter in our democratic history. They represented a generation determined to have its voice heard on matters affecting the country’s future,” he said.
The opposition leader urged authorities to ensure that commemorative activities proceed peacefully and within the law while respecting the rights of participants.
Renewed demand for accountability
Kalonzo also renewed calls for accountability over deaths, injuries, disappearances and alleged human rights violations linked to the June 2024 protests.
“The names of our fallen, abducted, kidnapped and wrongly charged must not become mere footnotes in our history, but the very foundation upon which a better Kenya is built,” he said.
“I therefore call on the government, on the security apparatus, and on Parliament to account for every life lost, every person who disappeared, and every family still waiting for any word on where their children are.”
He argued that accountability should not be limited to those directly implicated in alleged abuses but should also extend to individuals who may have authorised, facilitated or concealed unlawful actions.
According to Kalonzo, achieving justice for victims and their families will require independent investigations, transparent legal processes and prosecution of those found responsible.
Concerns over investigations
The Wiper leader expressed concern about the progress of investigations into some of the deaths reported during the protests, suggesting that shortcomings exposed during court proceedings had raised questions about whether victims’ families would receive justice.
He said accountability measures should be accompanied by meaningful reparations for families who lost loved ones and for individuals whose lives were disrupted by the demonstrations.
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Kalonzo further noted that many young people who participated in the protests continue to face uncertainty and trauma, with some reporting disruptions to their education, employment and livelihoods.
“The pursuit of justice must include support for those whose futures were affected by the events surrounding the demonstrations,” he said.
Growing focus on June 25 anniversary
The June 25 anniversary has become a focal point for civil society groups, opposition leaders and youth activists seeking to honour victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and push for accountability over the events that followed.
The demonstrations, which spread across several parts of the country, marked one of the most significant youth-led protest movements in recent Kenyan history and triggered widespread debate over governance, public participation and the conduct of security agencies.
As preparations for the memorial processions continue, attention is expected to focus on how authorities manage the gatherings and whether calls for restraint and accountability translate into action.
